Wartime memorabilia museum is opened at Brownlow House

A new museum of wartime memorabilia has been opened at Brownlow House in the town.
Diane Dodds MLA cuts the ribbon to open the Brownlow House Museum watched by Clive Higginson and David Martin. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE1Diane Dodds MLA cuts the ribbon to open the Brownlow House Museum watched by Clive Higginson and David Martin. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE1
Diane Dodds MLA cuts the ribbon to open the Brownlow House Museum watched by Clive Higginson and David Martin. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE1

Speaking at the opening of the museum DUP MEP Diane Dodds said that ‘in this 100th year since the outbreak of World War I, we must always ensure that the sacrifice of our forefathers is remembered and the vital role Ulster played in victory is never forgotten’.

She said: “I want to thank Brownlow House Museum and Historical Society for the kind invitation to attend this opening ceremony.

“I congratulate them and the officers and brethren of Lurgan District for the continued development of Brownlow House and commend their vision for future development.

Diane Dodds, MEP, recieves a gift of flowers from Lisa Martin after officially opening the Brownlow house museum. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE2Diane Dodds, MEP, recieves a gift of flowers from Lisa Martin after officially opening the Brownlow house museum. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE2
Diane Dodds, MEP, recieves a gift of flowers from Lisa Martin after officially opening the Brownlow house museum. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE2

“Brownlow House has a rich history and its role in the First World War as the headquarters of the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers put this fabulous house, and the town of Lurgan, on the map.

“This is a hugely impressive collection of artefacts that will no doubt bring even more guests to this fabulous venue.

“These are items that must be cherished, and they do go some way in helping us understand to some degree the experiences of the time both locally and in battle.

“In this year when we mark 100 years since the outbreak of World War I, it is right that we remember the sacrifice of our forefathers. This is a tragic chapter in our history, but not one that should be erased from the history books.

David Simpson, MP, along with MLA's Sydney Anderson and Stephen Moutray and Councillor Carla Lockhart at the opening of the Brownlow House Museum. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE3David Simpson, MP, along with MLA's Sydney Anderson and Stephen Moutray and Councillor Carla Lockhart at the opening of the Brownlow House Museum. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE3
David Simpson, MP, along with MLA's Sydney Anderson and Stephen Moutray and Councillor Carla Lockhart at the opening of the Brownlow House Museum. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE3

“Many from Ulster laid down their lives on the battlefield for future generations and their sacrifice and legacy will not be forgotten.

“I wish the museum every success in the weeks and months ahead and look forward to working with Lurgan District as we seek to further develop this venue in a range of different ways.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Joanne Dobson, who also attended the opening ceremony, said: “The Museum is a wonderful new facility for Brownlow House.

“A facility which I know has required a lot of hard work and determination on the part of all those involved.

At the opening of the Brownlow House Museum Joanne Dobson, MLA, met up with artist Gilly Williamson, painter of the Menim Gate picture which hangs in the newly opened centre. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE4At the opening of the Brownlow House Museum Joanne Dobson, MLA, met up with artist Gilly Williamson, painter of the Menim Gate picture which hangs in the newly opened centre. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE4
At the opening of the Brownlow House Museum Joanne Dobson, MLA, met up with artist Gilly Williamson, painter of the Menim Gate picture which hangs in the newly opened centre. INLM-BROWNLOWHSE4

“I was particularly taken by how appropriate it is that the painting ‘Lest We Forget’ by local artist Gilly Williamson is given centre stage.

“For me, ‘Lest We Forget ‘ sums up the new museum itself. Ensuring that we never forget the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and that our history is appropriately preserved for future generations.

“I commend all those involved in setting up the museum and those who have donated many of the wonderful artefacts.”

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