about

This is a brief History of the past 70 years. Most information from before the 1980s is taken the Golden Jubilee Issue of the Moneyrea Pioneer.

In 1936 the club began issuing it's own magazine: "THE MONEYREA PIONEER." Unfortunately due to the onset of war in 1939, the membership fell from around 100 to 70 in 1943, in direct response a junior club was formed on Tuesday the 13th April 1943 for members under the age of 21.The club was always innovative, not only being the first club of our knowledge to issue our own magazine but in 1944, the club even issued a birthday card.

During the 1950s, the club continued, running annual summer events like hay-rides to Millisle, where members climbed onto a bale traler and went to the beach for a day. From 1947 and throughout the 50s, the club enjoyed the benefits of the Young Farmers international youth exchange scheme, with Moneyrea members travelling to France, America and Denmark. In return, the Cromie family hosted over 20 exchangees. This international flavour was carried through to the 60s, with Hazel McDowell joining a team to represent Northern Ireland in the World Association of Youth Speaking Competitions in 1966.

During the 1970s, the Annual Guest Tea underwent quite a transformation, whereby instead of guest performers, the acts were carried out by members themselves. This saw the emergence of much talent like 'Andy McFadden and his funky wee five peice band,' 'Mr & Mrs competitions' and 'Tonga LOL' to name but a few.'Andy McFadden and his funky wee 5peice,' were reincarnated in the early 90s. Please forward more information from the 1980s/early 90s so we can publish it on the site.

The club celebrated it's 70th anniversary with a dinner dance on 19th September 2003

If there is any information you would like included here, email us and we will try to include it.

 

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