Address book donated to museum

The item was first presented as a wedding present to Andrew Clarke by Coleraine Harbour Commissioners on the occasion of his marriage to Miss Violet Taylor on April 25th 1925. The Clarke family lived in Ballysally House, on the grounds where Council headquarters now stands.

Connie Kelly from New Zealand recently presented the special address book to the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at a reception in Cloonavin.

The book was designed and illuminated by Carey & Thomson, Belfast, and along with the fine illustrations, it also contains a list of subscribers. It was taken to New Zealand nearly 20 years ago by Daniel McLaughlin, a cousin of Connie’s grandfather, Dr Daniel BC Taylor. Dr Taylor’s aunt was Violet Clarke (nee Taylor).

During a visit to the McLaughlin family in Coleraine, the idea of donating it came about, and it now looks set to remain here forever.

It’s not the first time that the family has contributed to the Museum collections as back in 2009, Connie’s grandmother Elizabeth sent over a sword and court suit which belonged to Robert Taylor, who was High Sheriff in 1891 and knighted in 1899. Robert purchased Coleraine Distillery in 1869, and his popular whiskey was the brand of choice in the House of Commons. The distillery passed to Andrew Clarke on the death of Sir Robert in 1902. Violet’s father was Daniel Taylor (Robert’s brother), MP for Coleraine from 1874 - 1880.