Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Evening of music reflects 50 years at Fort Hill

by JENNY MONROE

Mrs Nelson (former Senior Teacher and Head of History) with Mr Aitkenhead (Head of Mathematics) and three former Pupils —Karen Smiley, Kathy Scholls and Alaine Reid (nee Spence).

FORT Hill College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year and as part of the festivities an 'Evening of Christmas Music and Reflection' was held in the Civic Centre.

It was a magical evening of Music, Drama and Reflection — celebrating the history of the School and its place in the City of Lisburn.

A short drama, written by Wilfie Pyper, told the story of the Linen Mills and former members of staff while Mrs E Palmer and Mrs I Kirkwood shared their memories of the last 50 years.

Former Principal Miss Geraldine Tigchelaar OBE, also reflected on the strong legacy of the school.

Pupils, past and present, performed musical items to the delight of the audience and a slide show of old photographs was accompanied by a Brass Ensemble.

It certainly was a very special evening to mark this milestone in Fort Hill's history. The Principal, Mrs Marian Getty, spoke about the past but also looked forward with anticipation to the future of the School and the continuation of its place in the wider community.

At the end of the evening a collection was taken up for Marie Curie Cancer Care, for which pupils have already planted a Field of Hope as part of the anniversary celebrations. Events to mark the anniversary continue on January 30 when there will be an 'Open House' at the School from 3pm to 7.30pm. All former pupils, members of staff and any friends of the school will be most welcome to take a walk down memory lane. Exhibits include photographs, awards, videos of events, a 'where are they now?' display, an old school uniform and memory books dating back to the opening of the School.

This will be a great opportunity to catch up with members of staff, friends and former pupils and refreshments will be served. If you wish, you will be able to make a donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care, the school's chosen charity for its Golden Jubilee Year.

To complete the celebrations the School is hosting an Anniversary Dinner in the Dunadry Hotel and Country Club on May 21. Details of this are available from the school office.

Mrs C McCann and Mrs V Collins selling the Fort Hill College 50th Anniversary Magazine. Peggy Farr (former Mathematics Teacher) with Rosemary Bunting (former Head of Home Economics) and Mrs Lindsay (former Modern Languages Teacher).
Mrs C McCann and Mrs V Collins selling the Fort Hill College 50th Anniversary Magazine. Peggy Farr (former Mathematics Teacher) with Rosemary Bunting (former Head of Home Economics) and Mrs Lindsay (former Modern Languages Teacher).
Emma Beattie (6th Form Pupil) helps Miss Storey (Head of Art and Design) to put together a display of photographs over the last 50 years. Part of the string group getting ready for An Evening of Christmas Music and Reflections
Emma Beattie (6th Form Pupil) helps Miss Storey (Head of Art and Design) to put together a display of photographs over the last 50 years.  Part of the string group getting ready for An Evening of Christmas Music and Reflections which was held in the Island Civic Centre as part of Fort Hill College's 50th Anniversary Celebrations. US5008- 528cdPart of the string group getting ready for An Evening of Christmas Music and Reflections which was held in the Island Civic Centre as part of Fort Hill College's 50th Anniversary Celebrations. US5008- 528cd  
The Drama Group taking part in a play showing the history of the Linen Industry in Lisburn   Fort Hill College 50th Anniversary Banner welcoming past staff, pupils and friends to the Civic Centre Evening of Music and Reflection. 
The Drama Group taking part in a play showing the history of the Linen Industry in Lisburn which formed part of An Evening of Christmas Music and Reflections in the Island Civic Centre as part of Fort Hill College's 50th Anniversary Celebrations. US5008-529cd   Fort Hill College 50th Anniversary Banner welcoming past staff, pupils and friends to the Civic Centre Evening of Music and Reflection.

 

jenny.monroe@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
16/01/2009