Huge reunion event to mark 50th anniversary of Springtown Camp

By Alan Healy

A massive reunion in event will take place in Derry this weekend for former residents of a controversial housing project in the city.

The Springtown Camp shut on Wednesday, October 11, 1967, having been home to over 500 families for 21 years after the US navy vacated huts on the site at the end of World War 2.

On Saturday, the Delacroix will host a huge reunion where former residents of the camp will gather to share their memories of living at what is now seen as a site where families had to endure living conditions only marginally better than the houses they shared with up to 20 people.

At the time the war ended, many families were living in over-crowded conditions, sharing the one house in many instances, sharing one outside toilet.

Many took the decision to squat in to the many camps that were now empty.

Despite the huts not having electricity, running water, or any means of heating, they were still viewed as being an improvement on that what the families had, as the huts afforded them more space.

Kitty Lynch turned out the lights and closed the door of her hut for the last time in October 1967, there were only two families living at the camp, Edward and Kathleen Lynch and their family and the family of Charlie, Sarah and Frances Lynch and her twin children, all of whom were being re-housed.

The camp’s closure brought to an end a long running battle with the camp’s tenants old Londonderry Corporation, which at one time saw 200 residents march from the camp to Derry’s Guildhall in protest at living conditions in January 1964.

While the camp holds fond memories due its close knit community, it was recognised as a place tested the will and the strength of the people who lived there in some of the worst living conditions in Ireland during that period.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Deery said: “It is a great opportunity to meet once again with old neighbours and childhood friends.

“All ex residents are invited to attend and take this opportunity to once again meet up with old neighbours and childhood friends.”

Admission is free to the event, which will take place at the Delacroix on Saturday October 14 from 2 pm until 4.30pm.

There will be a free fingertip buffet and during the afternoon films, photographs and talks will be held documenting the history of the camp.