³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Jump on and take a ride on a miniature steam train at Damhead Road near Coleraine. Handbuiilt and maintained by a team of dedicated enthusiasts, they're hosting a family fun day out with the children on Saturday the 13th - Santa might even pay a visit. Ken Boyd is secretary with Coleraine District Society of Model Engineers.

It all began with one boat in Vancouver 50 years ago. The Carol Ship ‘Parade of Lights’, now an established tradition in Canada (pictured above) has made its way to Northern Ireland. Across Strangford Lough, Christmas carols ring out and the ferry lights light up as she sails back and forth between Portaferry and Strangford. It’s a free family event to be enjoyed with local choirs, folk bands, traditional music, decorations, Christmas market stalls, crafts and gift stalls, face painting and lots more activities for children. Allison Murphy, Education Officer with the Heritage Initiative will be talking to us live from the shores of Strangford Lough.  

Anne Marie gets a trip down memory lane at Billy Dunbar’s old toy museum in Omagh, which houses a well-loved collection built up over the years - many favourites from years gone by are housed in the museum, like the beautiful rocking horse pictured above.

To get you in the spirit for Christmas, Sperrin Choir will be singing their hearts out at the Burnavon theatre in Cookstown. Based in St. Swithin’s Church, Magherafelt, the choir has been raising the roof for nearly a hundred years and have played concerts in numerous locations. Anne Marie talks to Dennis Ferguson, chairman of the choir and Sam Cuddy, musical director. 

Anne Marie talks to William Monaghan in County Armagh at the village townland of Darkley, where he’s uncovered many interesting facts about the history of the place in the 1960s - did you know the whole village was once up for sale? We get a sneak preview of William's new book, ‘A History of Darkley’. 

The History of Darkley, Edited by William Monaghan, is published now and available in some local outlets.