Re-opening of Baronscourt Day-School, Ardstraw Parish, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland 1871
Extracted from the Londonderry Sentinel, November 24 1871
Transcribed, Compiled and Submitted by
Len Swindley, Melbourne, Australia
len_swindley[at]hotmail.com
RE-OPENING OF BARONSCOURT DAY-SCHOOL – On the occasion of the re-opening of the above school, after extensive alterations, and the addition of a large class-room and gallery, by order of the noble patron – His Grace the Duke of Abercorn – the children attending the above school were treated on Saturday evening last to a feast of the usual character given by the Abercorn family on festive occasions. The class-room and gallery are separated from the principal apartment by sliding doors, by means of which the two rooms can be thrown into one or kept separate. The school-rooms were tastefully decorated with evergreens, mottoes, and the words, “Welcome” done with rhododendron leaves by the teachers for the occasion. The effect was very fine when the two rooms were thrown open and well lighted. About 100 children sat down to tea, which (after grace was sung by a class taught by their principal teacher}, with plenty of buns and cake, they did ample justice to.
Tea over, and the tables removed, the parents or guardians who were invited, besides the principal persons in the neighbourhood, and some from a distance, were accommodated with seats all round the rooms.
Among those present were:
Name Townland REV. J. LYONS Baronscourt REV. MR. LOVETT, curate Newtownstewart MRS. LOVATTT and family Newtownstewart MRS. GREER and family Moyle REV. MR. BENNETT, curate Urney REV. MR. LYLE, Presbyterian Minister Ardstraw REV. MR. HENRY, Presbyterian Minister Drumlegagh ROBERT SMITH, ESQ., C. E. Cavandoro’ MR. JOHN SMITH and MISS SMITH Cavandoro’ MR. MATTHEW SMITH and MISS SMITH Drumclamph MR. ROBERT HYNDMAN Drumlegagh MR. DAVID DOAK Archill MR. ROBERT HILL Dromore MR. SAMUEL EWING, Builder Ardstraw MR. EDWARD MURPHY Archill MR. KYLE Baronscourt MR & MRS BRYDEN Baronscourt MRS TAYLOR Baronscourt MRS WATSON and MR SAMUEL WATSON Ballyrennan MR. W. J. HILL Ballyrennan MR. ALEXANDER HUNTER Baronscourt THE MISSES HUNTER (two), New Farm MR. D. MCNALLY and MRS MCNALLY Baronscourt
Printed programmes of the entertainment were supplied to the visitors.