AHOY THERE ITS THE STORY OF THE BIRKENHEAD AT THE ARGORY �� Visitors to the National Trust property�of The Argory, Moy,will discover the heroic tales of Captain Shelton, 2nd owner of The Argory and survivor of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead. The Birkenhead was one of the most documented maritime disasters before the Titanic and was the first ship to coin the phrase Women and Children First! �Visitors can discover his heroic tales on board, enjoy a fun and interactive room with activities such as semaphore flag navigation, spot the smells of the Birkenhead and The Argory treasure trail. Look out for��living history interpretation featuring the man himself - Captain Shelton on 15 April, �24 June,��18 and 19 August. � Helping to launch the exhibition at The Argory was Captain Shelton aka��Denis Halligan.
Published on Saturday 21 April 2012 09:09
DESCRIBED as our year of opportunity, 2012 is packed with events, celebrations and commemorations, including the centenary of the sinking of the world famous ship the Titanic.
The Argory, Moy has its own maritime story to tell and visitors to the National Trust property will discover the heroic tales of Captain Shelton, 2nd owner of The Argory and survivor of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead.
The ill fated Birkenhead was transporting troops to Algoa Bay when she struck rock and was wrecked at Danger Point near Gansbaai on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa on 26 February 1852. The Birkenhead was one of the most documented maritime disasters before the Titanic and was in fact the first ever ship to have coined the phrase ‘Women and Children First!’ With an insufficient number of serviceable lifeboats on board, the soldiers and seamen famously stood firm, allowing the women and children to board the boats safely.
Visitors to The Argory this season will learn about Captain Shelton’s life before the sinking and his time as a member of the 12th Royal Lancers. Visitors can discover his heroic tales on board and a fun and interactive room with activities such as semaphore flag navigation, spot the smells of the Birkenhead and The Argory treasure trail will appeal to adults and children alike.
“The story of Captain Shelton’s life, his journey on the Birkenhead and the aftermath of the sinking is an intriguing story” said Claire Donnelly, Visitor Services Manager for National Trust Mid Ulster properties.
“We are so excited to be sharing Captain Shelton’s story, 160 years on, especially and in a year where maritime history is so evident in Northern Ireland. Not only will visitors hear our unique stories, through living history interpretation but can also see a unique piece of history; the vest that Captain Shelton wore on the night of the sinking as he swam to shore through shark infested waters.”
Just 30 minutes from The Argory, Springhill will also celebrate a unique link with The Titanic. For the first time ever, visitors to the National Trust property in Moneymore will be able to see an original hand written letter, scribed by 11 year old Eileen Lenox-Conyngham on board the Titanic in 1912.
The letter, written on White Star Line headed paper dated 10 April 1912, will capture the hearts of many. Eleven year old, Eileen Lenox-Conyngham, started her journey as a first class passenger with her family, they boarded at Southampton and fortunately were only crossing the channel to disembark in Cherbourg, before travelling on to Paris for their family holiday.
Visitors to Springhill can discover Eileen’s story, enjoy afternoon tea, visit the Titanic costume collection and the fun and interactive interpretation room, which will also reveal stories about life in 1912, from travel through to communication and education. Birkenhead – The Argory Story will open at The Argory on Sunday 15 April where living history interpretation will take place as well as 24 June and 18 and 19 August.
Titanic – The Springhill Story will launch on 28 and 29 April and a series of events will take place throughout the season.
View Article at:http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/lifestyle/birkenhead-the-argory-story-1-3751772
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