Changing Times - supporting cancer research 

29 June 2015

A new book released in May, to celebrate 140 years of Coleraine High School, is set to support research at the CCRCB, the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s.

Changing Times is the brainchild of the current principal, Mrs Anne Bell, and traces the history of the second oldest girls’ school in Northern Ireland which started life in 1874 as ‘Gordonville Ladies’.

Compiled by numerous school departments and former staff the book provides an authentic first-hand ‘step back in time’ for the school on Lodge Road as it prepares to merge with Coleraine Inst to become Coleraine Grammar this September.

Speaking ahead of the official launch in June, Mrs Bell said: “The book can be purchased for £20 from the school office, and all profits will be going to the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s.

“This Centre is at the forefront of research into breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. I choose the Centre as my best friend – a past pupil of the school – contracted breast cancer over 15 years ago, and I want to celebrate her continuing wonderful zest for life and to ensure that all possible support is given to the excellence research work which is being carried on in Queen’s.”

The book launch was attended by Professor David Waugh, Director of CCRCB, at a recent dinner of the Old Girls Association in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine who gave guests an overview of the work ongoing in breast cancer research.

Changing Times details the efforts of pupils during the war – including how the girls knitted socks and sent food parcels to prisoners of war – and how the high standards instilled into those early pupils are still carried on to today’s young women, thanks to the school motto ‘Virtue et labore’, which means by strength of character and diligence. 

Welcoming the Co Londonderry School’s support for CCRCB, the Head of Medical Fundraising at Queen’s, Helen Surgenor, said: “A massive thank you to Coleraine High School for supporting the Queen’s Foundation! Money raised will enable our researchers to continue pioneering work today into breast cancer to develop treatments to save patients’ lives tomorrow.”

Writing in the concluding section of the book Mrs Bell, who is the ninth Headmistress of the School, said: “When you come to the end of one chapter in a book, you turn the page with a mixture of anticipation and excitement, eager to see what the next chapter will bring.

“And so it is with Coleraine High School - as we end this stage of our history we move forward into the future knowing that we have the traditions of those who have gone before to give us the strength and wisdom to face what is ahead.”

Changing Times can be purchased (priced £20) directly from Coleraine High School office. Alternatively, contact Rachel Ketola, Fundraising Manager (Medicine) at Queen’s on 028 9097 5073 for further information.

Photo: Rachel Ketola (left), Medical Fundraising Manager, Queen's University with Anne Bell of Coleraine High pictured at a recent event at the University.

 

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