Derry historian to recall the bygone days of ‘The Hiring Fair’

A full house is expected when Maghera Historical Society continues its autumn lecture series with a talk entitled 'The Hiring Fair' (Oral Memories) by Roy Hamilton. The 'hiring fairs' were a feature of Irish life in Ulster for almost 200 years, finally disappearing in the 1940's. These fairs were usually held in various towns and villages on 'Market Days' in May and November. Young people, both male and female, would gather in the marketplace. Employers, normally farmers, would hire these young people for a period of six months. Hard work and loneliness were often the lot for many of these young people in return for poor pay, accommodation and food. Derry historian, Roy Hamilton will relive these bygone days with a lecture based on primary sources including first hand memories and pictures of people who were hired to work on these farms. Roy Hamilton is the author of several books including 'The Hiring Fairs: memories of the people of the North West' and '100 years of Derry.'

The lecture will be the first to take place in the Maghera Historical Society's new Heritage and Cultural Centre at 17 Coleraine Road, (formerly the Xtravision store) on Friday, October 23 at 7.30pm. All welcome. Admisson is £5 (members free). Light refreshments available.