Collector seeks home for war memorabilia
THE Imperial War Museum in London draws millions of tourists from around the world, but now a Ballyclare man with an incredible collection of war memorabilia is hoping to open a similar attraction in Northern Ireland.
David McCallion is a man on a mission to establish the first permanent war museum that will bring together collections from all wars under the one roof.
He currently owns one of the largest collections of militaria in private hands - with some items so rare that even the Imperial War Museum does not have them.
Mr McCallion has his eye on a venue in Carrickfergus but lacks the funds.
"A museum with all this history under one roof is something we are lacking here in Northern Ireland - I get a huge response to the temporary exhibitions so I think it is something that will be very popular."
This is a personal project for Mr McCallion, whose family has a proud history of military service.
From uniforms to a fleet of wartime vehicles, the historian's vast collection often lies in storage.
But now the public now has a chance to take a trip down memory lane as, running until April 10, the Mid Antrim Museum in Ballymena is hosting part of the horde of memorabilia.
The Braid building has been transformed into a world war-time capsule, with over 40 mannequins displaying various uniforms from both major wars, complete with weapons.
For the first time since World War One, a bass drum and side drum from the 12th Service Battalion the Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers) will be on display together, as well as specially-constructed trench scenes, dug outs, air raid shelters and machine-gun posts.
The War Years Remembered exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 5pm, Monday through to Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Group bookings are available via the Braid Museum.
Admission is free.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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