Museum services thrilled as Mayor launches new Treasured Toy exhibition

The Mayor has officially opened a fantastic new toy exhibition in Ballymoney, a selection of treasured toys from years gone by.

The 'Treasured Toys-Every Toy Holds a Memory' exhibition includes vintage items from the museum’s own collections, as well as toys from W & J Walker.

Some of the items featured are, a 1940’s board games, 1960's dolls pram and wooden dolls house.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “I am delighted to launch this exhibition, it is a lovely reminder of childhood Christmas.

“The vintage toys featured within the exhibition are memorable for not only myself, but for the parents and children of the Borough.

“It really is a fantastic exhibition and certainly worth a visit.”

There is plenty to do when visiting the exhibition, with vintage toys to see and play with as well as a chance to share your Treasured Toy memories.

Little ones can follow the elf footprints to the new kids area where they can play, dress up, read books, colour in and enter our draw your favourite toy competition for a chance to win a W & J Walker voucher.

To coincide with this exhibition the museum will also be holding two events to get the Borough in the holiday spirit.

First is the ‘Christmas on NI Screen, Film where you can experience a festive trip down memory lane as you join the Northern Ireland Screen Digital Archive for a special film screening.

This evocative event will take place at 7pm on December 5th.

The film will show a variety of archived footage, from excited children opening toys on Christmas morning to the inside the old toy shops across Northern Ireland.

There will be lots of fantastic footage from days gone by of toys at Christmas time to enjoy, including some from the Charlie McAfee collection.

This is a free event, just email [email protected] to book a place.

The second event ‘The Treasured Toys Christmas Special’ gives children the chance to join the Museum Elves for Santa Letter writing and a Christmas craft workshop within the Treasured Toys exhibition.

This festive event will be held between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday 7th December.

The elves will help your little ones write their letters before posting in a Victorian Postbox for a personalised reply before Christmas.

There will also be Christmas crafts, treats, toys and games to play and the workshop is FREE.

For further details email [email protected].