Events organised to raise funds for refurbishment of A.O.H hall in County Derry
The hall was originally built by the families and friends of division members and opened back in 1972
The committee that runs St. Trea’s A.O.H. Community Hub, Islandhill are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for essential refurbishment of the hall which is more than 50 years old.
The new committee are now into their second year of running the hub, based in the hall at Ballymaguigan, which they say is now in need of a big refurbishment.
The hall was originally built by the families and friends of division members and opened back in 1972.
Unfortunately one of St Trea's division members, who was instrumental in helping to build the hall, sadly lost his life in a fire that happened during a Derry County Board meeting in the A.O.H hall in Swatragh on December 8 1968.
Louis Doyle (55) of Ballinagarve, Magherafelt, was the hero in the tragedy after an oil heater toppled over.
The father-of-eight had escaped with only slight burns but dashed in again when he heard a woman scream.
He was dragging her out when he collapsed near the doorway, overcome by fumes.
He passed away in hospital on December 23 1968 due to his injuries.
Committee member Teena Murray said Mr Doyle had been a member of Division 399 since his teenage years.
“There is a plaque to commemorate him in the hall. All his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and family circle and friends are still very much part of it,” she explained.
The new committee started last year with grants from the Lottery Fund, Mid Ulster Council and the National Board of the A.O.H which helped to fund a new heating system, new windows and new light fittings.
However they now want to rewire the building, fit a new kitchen and update the toilets.
“We have had many donations and kind people paying for some of the work we have had done and we have some of our heating oil paid for as well,” Teena continued.
“Our aim is to raise the funds to complete all the work that needs doing but we are a long way off completing this work.
“For us this is a big undertaking but we are doing it in memory of the plaque that is on our wall. This would be Louis' wish because of the number of years he devoted to the division and the hall. We are doing this refurbishment in his honour so that further generations can carry it on.”
In an effort to help raise money, the committee have organised a number of fundraisers.
“Our bingo now is up and running again, it’s on every Saturday night at 8pm. Lines are £30, full house is £40 except for the middle house which is £50 and the last house is £150. There also is pick a number which is £2 and the prize is £100.
“We are having a barbecue on Saturday 26th July, commencing at 7pm. Admission is by ticket only - £15 per person - and music will be by Big Dee and it’s bring your own bottle. Tickets are now on sale for this.
“There will be further events including a kid's Halloween disco, Christmas craft fayre and a kid's Christmas disco. We will also be starting a mother and toddler group in September and we hope to have a youth drama group. There will be more on these events at a later date. The hub is also available to rent for functions, meetings, birthday parties etc. A course of Salsa classes have just finished and we now have a course of Pilates on at the moment. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support thus far and hope to have your continued support and new support as well.”