The Roe Valley News Browser on-line since 1997

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July  2010

Echium plantagineum or Purple Viper's-bugloss to you and me! Mount Benevenagh is famous for its rare Nordic flowers, which grow on its exposed cliffs - and nowhere else in Northern Ireland. The specimen on the left is not one of those, but comes from more Southern shores. Though very rare in Ulster it is common around the Mediterranean and a pest in Australia. It was spotted on a South facing side of Benevenagh and experts tell us that the most likely suspect responsible for the appearance of this rare plant is Tesco's wildbird food - a sample of which must have been planted by a careless bird. The inexpert Newsbrowser  wildflower team must admit that this side effect of feeding wild birds was totally unexpected. If any of our readers should suddenly be ambushed in their garden by an unsuspected triffid - you'll know who is to blame!

July's silly sign Regular readers will know that our highly trained team of investigators scour the Roe Valley countryside for mis -placed,  -spelled or -begotten notices of public information. It has to be admitted that this sign is not particularly silly - unless you enjoy the rather weak joke - but we cannot deny that the choice of location shows a certain irony. Here is the customary link to our famous 'Silly Signs' collection.

The Limavady Agricultural Show Here are some pictures of the Limavady show, which took place on the 10th of this month. Although it was supposed to rain cats and dogs all day long - not a bad thing for an agricultural event - the weather stayed fair and everyone had a good day. Animals were shown, prizes were won and old friends could meet for the first time in years. All in all - a great success.

Does this ring a bell? Here at the News Browser we have been doing some historical research and found this remarkable old photograph amongst the late Harold Gough's papers. Local readers will instantly recognise the old clock and gable of the Alexander Memorial Hall, which has recently been given a facelift. The old building now forms a rather peculiar ensemble with the new civic centre. A closer inspection of the photograph on the right reveals a very interesting detail. Notice the opening above the clock - which these days is empty? It contains a rather nice bell which - unless it has been sold - should still be in the possession of the town. Wouldn't it be nice if this bell could be found and restored to its former place of glory? It might make up for those infamous many-coloured columns! We would be very interested to hear from any reader who knows of the whereabouts of this rather nice bell.

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