Menu
02/07/2003
Trimble welcomes Somme grant
The Northern Ireland Office has awarded a grant of £385,000 to the Somme Association to help pay for a small plot of land in France to commemorate those who died in the World War 1 battle.
The 36th Ulster Division used Thiepval Wood, which is close to the site of the Battle of Somme, as it prepared for the start of the 1916 Somme Offensive.
The announcement was today welcomed by Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, who, along with the Somme Association, has made representations to Government about the possibility of buying the Wood.
Mr Trimble was informed of the grant in a letter from Secretary of State Paul Murphy.
In a statement Mr Trimble said: "Thiepval Wood, as many will know, holds special significance for Northern Ireland. This was the place that the 36th Ulster Division gathered before going into battle.
"On the day that we remember those who fell at the Somme, it is a fitting tribute to the courageous men of the 36th Ulster Division that the Somme Association, who do so much to preserve the memory, actions and sacrifices of soldiers from Ulster at the Battle of the Somme, should be given a grant to maintain this important site. I hope that in years to come it will be possible for people to visit the Wood, particularly the relatives of those who fell in that tragic conflict."
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure are currently working with the Somme Association to ensure that all of the necessary arrangements are in place to enable the payment of the grant to the Somme Association as soon as possible.
More than a million soldiers from the British Empire, France and Germany were killed in the battle which took place between July and November 1916.
(MB)
The 36th Ulster Division used Thiepval Wood, which is close to the site of the Battle of Somme, as it prepared for the start of the 1916 Somme Offensive.
The announcement was today welcomed by Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, who, along with the Somme Association, has made representations to Government about the possibility of buying the Wood.
Mr Trimble was informed of the grant in a letter from Secretary of State Paul Murphy.
In a statement Mr Trimble said: "Thiepval Wood, as many will know, holds special significance for Northern Ireland. This was the place that the 36th Ulster Division gathered before going into battle.
"On the day that we remember those who fell at the Somme, it is a fitting tribute to the courageous men of the 36th Ulster Division that the Somme Association, who do so much to preserve the memory, actions and sacrifices of soldiers from Ulster at the Battle of the Somme, should be given a grant to maintain this important site. I hope that in years to come it will be possible for people to visit the Wood, particularly the relatives of those who fell in that tragic conflict."
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure are currently working with the Somme Association to ensure that all of the necessary arrangements are in place to enable the payment of the grant to the Somme Association as soon as possible.
More than a million soldiers from the British Empire, France and Germany were killed in the battle which took place between July and November 1916.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2005
'Belfast Remembers' event marks wartime role
Belfast is to pay tribute today to the contribution made by the city and the experiences of its people during the two World Wars.
'Belfast Remembers' event marks wartime role
Belfast is to pay tribute today to the contribution made by the city and the experiences of its people during the two World Wars.
01 August 2013
Lord Mayor To 'Build A Better Belfast'
Belfast's newly-appointed Lord Mayor, Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has pledged to "build a better Belfast" during his time in office. The Lord Mayor was speaking as he unveiled his 'Vision for Belfast' document. "In all of my work, I pledge to remain relentlessly positive about Belfast, its people and its future," Councillor Ó Muilleoir said.
Lord Mayor To 'Build A Better Belfast'
Belfast's newly-appointed Lord Mayor, Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has pledged to "build a better Belfast" during his time in office. The Lord Mayor was speaking as he unveiled his 'Vision for Belfast' document. "In all of my work, I pledge to remain relentlessly positive about Belfast, its people and its future," Councillor Ó Muilleoir said.
18 November 2004
Home front action recalled with lottery funding
The crucial role played by the port of Londonderry in the Battle of the Atlantic will be remembered thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The Londonderry branch of the Royal Naval Association has been awarded a grant of £18,600 to hold a three-day commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic next May.
Home front action recalled with lottery funding
The crucial role played by the port of Londonderry in the Battle of the Atlantic will be remembered thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The Londonderry branch of the Royal Naval Association has been awarded a grant of £18,600 to hold a three-day commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic next May.
27 June 2019
Battle Of The Somme Commemoration Planned
A service to remember those who died during the Battle of the Somme is to take place in Carrickfergus this weekend. The Battle will be commemorated over 100 years later at the Knockagh Memorial on Sunday 30 June in an event organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Battle Of The Somme Commemoration Planned
A service to remember those who died during the Battle of the Somme is to take place in Carrickfergus this weekend. The Battle will be commemorated over 100 years later at the Knockagh Memorial on Sunday 30 June in an event organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
01 July 2016
Battle Of The Somme: Overnight Vigils Held To Mark 100th Anniversary
A number of towns and cities across Northern Ireland have held overnight vigils to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Several people attended a vigil in Newtownards, Co Down, to remember those who fought in the Somme. The event took place at the Somme Museum and ended with a solemn ceremony.
Battle Of The Somme: Overnight Vigils Held To Mark 100th Anniversary
A number of towns and cities across Northern Ireland have held overnight vigils to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Several people attended a vigil in Newtownards, Co Down, to remember those who fought in the Somme. The event took place at the Somme Museum and ended with a solemn ceremony.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
