Late Members Run 2026

To save some unessary miles David had arranged that we meet at Ikea around 12:00 and make our way to Crawfordsburn Country Park where we had plenty of time for a “bring your own” picnic.

At around 2pm we left for the drive to the Somme Museum where we will had a guided tour. We had plenty of time to listen, look, read and learn how three Ulster divisions played a massive role in the Somme and surrounding areas. The museum provides exhibitions, displays, information and is an institution for the study and interpretation of Ireland’s contribution to the First World War, with particular reference to the Battle of the Somme and the involvement of the 36th (Ulster) Division, 16th (Irish) Division and 10th (Irish) Division in the First World War. An interesting and fascinating afternoon, well worth a visit. Many thanks to the staff who went out of their way to anwer questions and explain the horrors that many of our forebearers suffered.

We had a short drive to Newtownards “International” Airport (IATA code: EGAD.) Today EGAD has a rather sedate reputation, that was not always the case, it has a rather remarkable history all of it’s own. It was opened in 1934 and until the construction of Sydenham Airfield at Belfast Harbour (Later to become - Belfast Harbour Airport) in 1938 , EGAD was served by UK sceduled internal passenger flights and mail flights. In keeping with our days main military theme, Newtownards Airfield played an important role in WW2. The Royal Air Force had an active presence under RAF Newtonards, responsible for an impressive list of sucessful operations throughout the war. On 15th -16th April 1941 the Luftwaffe attacked Belfast leaving around 900 dead, they also bombed Newtownards Airfield causing the deaths of 13 soldiers of 70 Battallion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. These days it is home to the Ulster Flying Club and local aviation enthusiasts. It is fed and watered by Cloud 9, a splendid little resturaunt which did a great job in feeding 40/50 hungry travellers.

Congratulation to Graham who was awarded the trophy for the favorite car, chosen by our Somme tour guide. All in all, we had a great day out, all credit to David for an interestion day.