I was now on a quest. I visited the local library and used the microfiche to search through the local newspapers from 19944/45 for more information. I found that each camp had a committee to organise concerts and events. These are some of the articles I found:

29 September 1944 Belfast Weekly Telegraph

Gibraltarians' Tribute to Former Governor - Ceremony at Broughshane

Evacuees from Gibraltar now accommodated at the Camp at Dunaird paid tribute to the memory of a former Governor of their island on Sunday last when a large number of them assembled in First Broughshane Churchyard and a beautiful wreath was placed on the grave of Filed Marshal Sir George White, VC, hero of Ladysmith, who was Governor of Malta from 1900 till 1905.

In the little churchyard adjoining First Broughshane Presbyterian Church is the grave where eight generations of the White family lie buried. A marble inscription on the sidewall of the tomb preserves the memory of the first of the family interred there, Rev Faulke White, who was at one time minister of First Broughshane, and who, it is said, was a member of a deputation to welcome Prince of Orange. The last interment is that of Field Marshal Sir George White, VC, GCB, OM, GSCE, GCMG, GCIE, GCVO, JP, DL who died 24 June 1912. Occupying a central position is a large Celtic cross, inscribed

‘In loving memory of George Stuart White, VC, Field Marshal, Commander of the Forces, besieged in Ladysmith November 2 1889 to February 28, 1900'.

The Gibraltarian deputation consisted of Messrs T Correa, J Garcia, J Lima, J Silva, A Sampere, H Balestrino and A Ruiz.

Captain White and Mrs White and family, of Whitehall; the Rev Robert Strawbridge, MA, and large numbers from the congregations of First and Second Broughshane Presbyterian Churches attended the ceremony, which was held following the morning service.

Brought them happiness

After placing the wreath on the grave Mr T Correa said it was a great pleasure for him to lay this simple token of remembrance and homage to the hero of Ladysmith, Field Marshal George White, who when Governor of Gibraltar, had brought them happiness and had improved their welfare. He thanked Almighty God for having preserved their lives through four years of worries and danger, especially to enable them to render that act of sympathy towards one of the late Governors of Gibraltar.

Exhibiting a Coronation Medal and ribbon, Mr Correa said it may interest them to know that forty three years ago the late Field Marshal had pinned that medal on his breast when he was a boy at school, with the remark ‘Boy, you will love your God and King, and your country expects you to do your duty'. Continuing he said he thought he was doing a sacred duty by paying homage to a glorious officer of the British Empire. In conclusion, he wished to express sincere thanks to the people of Ulster for the kindness and hospitality which had been extended to them since their arrival.

Captain White's Thanks

Captain White, returning thanks, said ‘It is not only me as my father's son but, I think all the people of Broughshane and the Braid Valley who honoured my father when he was alive, who will appreciate the very kind gesture in honouring his memory now he is ‘what is called dead'. In this graveyard of a Christian Church I need not apologise for using the term ‘what is called dead' for we hope and believe that the spirit lives on and it influences the present and future.

It looks as if there were something deeper and more purposeful than blind chance when my father was Governor of Gibraltar, and where I was with him for three years as his aide-de-camp, when my first wife was a native of Gibraltar and was, I believe, actually in charge of you people on your arrival in England, that you should circle round under the strange forces of war to the Braid Valley, where my father had his home, where I have my home, and where his grandsons carry on his father's name. I have been so struck with the strangeness of this that I immediately made contact with you and offered you the limited hospitality which war-time allows. This ceremony is the result.

In groping for any purpose behind such strange concatenations of events, I would suggest that the small nations may have a larger part to play than the Great Powers in the world of the future if civilisation is not to be destroyed by further wars. two of these small nations are Ireland and Spain, not the Spain of Franco - god forbid - but the Spain of the Spanish republic which might have emerged had it not been strangled at birth. Though Gibraltar was an English possession, it was geographically part of Spain, and I think you have proved since your arrival here that there is a strong natural sympathy and affinity between the Irish and Spanish people.

WORLD PEACE IDEAL

I HOPE THEN, IT MAY BE PART OF God's plan for a better world in the future that all that is best in the Spanish: English and Irish spirit may combine, perhaps under the continuing guidance from behind the veil of such fine spirits as my father, to bring about peace and harmony between the peoples of which your kind gesture today and your appreciation of what welcome we have been able to show you is a hopeful symbol'.

Replying Mr Correa said he could assure them they would never forget the kindness they had received in Ulster, nor the benefits that the late Field-Marshal had conferred on Gibraltar. They would return to the ‘The Rock' to work for just such a wider understanding as Captain White had referred to.

The wreath, which was composed of a beautiful garland of natural flowers and heather bloom, was entwined with the Gibraltarian colours of red and white, and bore the inscription "Gibraltarian Evacuees at Emergency Camp No 8 Dunaird".

29 September 1944 Belfast Weekly Telegraph

BRAID

Great praise is due to the Aghacully entertainment Committee for the splendid concert presented at that camp on two afternoons of last week, when an all-Aughacully troupe of Gibraltarian artists acquitted themselves like professionals. The programme consisted of ‘The Dress Rehearsal' (a Spanish musical play, the music being selected from various Spanish operas). ‘The Spanish Fiesta' (written and produced by Mr R L Mannia), and various solo items by members of the cast.

Programme in detail

'Nardos', Miss C Yeo and chorus (girls); ‘You Never Know' Mrs V Adams; Portuguese song, Mrs C Bensadon and chorus; Tango - ‘Trago Amargo' Mr G Iche; Tango ‘Quiero que quieras' Miss A Gonzalez; ‘Currieto de la Cruz', General chorus; ‘Yours' Mrs Adams; ‘Fru Fru' Mrs L Gonzalez and chorus; march ‘Los Monteros', Mrs Bensadon and chorus; folk song ‘Jota Aragonesa', Mrs Adams and Mr A Calamaro; comic duet ‘The Ducks' Mrs F Calamaro and Mr F Mosquera; tango ‘Scars' Mrs Adams; folk song ‘Iamplona'.

The scenery and costumes were most colourful, the dancing was in keeping with the traditional grace of the natives of Gibraltar, and the unanimous opinion of all the local people present was that such a show, if presented in a larger venue, such as Ballymena Town Hall, in aid of the Red Cross, or similar object, would draw an overflow audience.

29 September 1944 Belfast Weekly Telegraph

GIBRALTARIAN EVACUEES HELP IN SAVING HARVEST

Ways and means of saving the crops in these days of labour shortage is a topic which interests everyone, and when Mr Hunter McCabe, who is rendering excellent service as organiser of the local Voluntary Land Scheme, spoke on the subject at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Ballymena on Tuesday he had a sympathetic and appreciative audience. He was cordially welcomed by President Patrick Murphy, as was also Rotarian John Carson, following his recent illness.

When the Voluntary Land Service was inaugurated in Ballymena last year, Mr McCabe said, it did not take on too well at the beginning, partly because of the lack of interest of the townspeople, and partly because of the doubts of the farmers concerning the ability of the people who were going out to work.

He caused amusement by saying that when he took the first two lorry loads of helpers to the country the farmer for whom they were intended had a look at them and told him to take them away as they were no use. On the way back he called with another farmer. He was more responsive, and after the volunteers had done some work for him he gave them tea and said they were the best workers he had ever had!

Mr McCabe said he had the greatest difficulty in persuading farmers that townspeople were really fit, and he pointed out that a big percentage of the helpers were farmers' sons.

Last year the voluntary helpers were mainly townspeople and numbered three hundred and ninety five. This year the majority were evacuees from Gibraltar; they numbered eight hundred and fifty and the local workers two hundred. Assistance was given to one hundred and twenty farmers last year, and this year to one hundred farmers. With seven weeks of the harvest season still remaining, he expected that the help which they had been able to provide last year would be doubled.

Explaining why he had taken up the Voluntary Land Scheme, Mr McCabe said that part of his life was spent with the Merchant Navy in bringing in food, and he was desirous of making things easier for those gallant men if at all possible.

More help had been needed this year in saving the harvest. Because of the inclement weather the crops were flattened, and in some place, five or six men were required for work which could normally be done by two or three with the use of machinery.

In conclusion, Mr McCabe referred to the transport problem and acknowledged the assistance given by the Civil Defence in supplying vehicles and invaluable help which he received from Messrs Thomas B Whiteside (Town Clerk), J E Owens and J V Caldwell. In addition to three regular journeys to the Toome, Glarryford and Clough districts they served isolated places, chiefly in the Ballymoney area, and he appealed for the use of private cars for this purpose.

The President conveyed the thanks of the club to Mr McCabe for his interesting talk.

24 November 1944 Ballymena Weekly Telegraph

BRAID

A concert, promoted by the Gibraltarian Entertainment Committee of Dunaird Emergency Camp, was held in Camp 8 last week and proved most enjoyable. The programme consisted of eighteen items, ranging from very clever dancing a la Fred Astaire to tuneful singing by pretty girls in nautical costume.

Details - Spanish quickstep, ‘'Gato Montex', Misses W and R Collins; song, ‘Darling' Miss A Pitto; ‘Please Listen to My Song', Misses W and D Collins, A Pitto, A and R Penalver, A and E Attias; ‘ Three Sisters' Misses W D and R Collins; ‘Trinia' Miss Aida Attias; tango, Miss R Collins and C Macias; tango, C Macias and group; ‘Limonera' quickstep, Miss R Collins and group; ‘It Can't Be Wrong' Miss A Attias; ‘Sailor with the Navy Blue Eyes' Miss W Collins and group; ‘La Paloma' Miss A Attias and M Finlayson; ‘Mr Lyons' comic sketch by John Macido; ‘Heaven' Miss W Collins; ‘Camilleno' E Balestrino, G Bocio, J Padina; ‘La Chupeta' (the Comforter) men's group; ‘Lamentos de un Evacuado' (song written and composed by Miss Angeles Caetano and E Balestrino and sung in public for the first time by the latter); ‘Patio Sevillano' (a courtyard in Seville) mixed chorus, with E Balilisco, traditional Spanish singer; ‘Penon' mixed chorus, Mr Paco Galia was at the piano and Mr M Glynn was an accomplished accordionist. At the close of the show Mr J Davidson, warden, was the recipient of a spontaneous ovation from the audience.

8 December 1944 Ballymena Weekly Telegraph

GIBRALTARIANS PROVE THEMSELVES TALENTED ENTERTAINERS AT CAMP CONCERT

A high standard was maintained by the group of Gibraltarian artists who presented a very enjoyable concert at Camp 9, Drummack, last week. The scenery, costumes and singing in the operetta, ‘La Dolorosa' reflected great credit upon the producers and players, and several others items were of a class worthy of presentation to a larger audience.

Details

‘Silver' Mrs A Martinez; ‘Mi Mare' Mrs P Vilia; ‘Tatuaje' Miss H Casey and W Mascarenhas; Rumba Miss R Pons; Pasodoble Miss C Viagas, Operetta, ‘La Dolorosa' cast - Nicasia Miss M Bijeranp; Perico F Rocca; Rafael W Vinet; Padres W Marcarenhas, P Gole, Jose F Spiteri; Bienvenido M Bensusan; Juanico Mrs Monteverdi ‘Mario de la O' Mrs Martinez and chorus; ‘Talaverano' Miss A Bejerano and chorus; ‘Ranchera' M Macias; ‘Wus Comico' Mrs Martinez and A Ferro; ‘Salome' Mrs Villa; ‘Malavena' Mrs L Spiteri; ‘Oigami' Miss A Bejeramo and W Vinet; ‘Morena' Mrs Martinez and W Vinet with chorus; ‘Manojo de Claveles' Miss H Casey; ‘That's the Moon' Miss H Lucas; ‘Los Claveles' Miss Viagas and W Mascarenhas; recitation Mrs Villa; ‘Agua del Mediterraneo' sung by the entire company and ‘God Save the King'. The producers were Mrs P Villa, Messrs J Lenia, M Bensusan, and D Monteverde, and the pianist was Mr S Bugga

8 December 1944 Ballymena Weekly Telegraph

THE GIBRALTAR EVACUEES - MID ANTRIM PLIGHT

Lady O'Neill's letter

Lady Sylvia O'Neill, Cleggan Lodge, Ballymena writing in Monday's ‘Times' in answer to a letter in that paper asking for information about the Gibraltar evacuees, says:

There are one thousand six hundred of them living in Nissen huts in four camps in the valley and about three thousand five hundred in other camps in Ulster.

They came in July and, rightly or wrongly, were convinced they were only to be here a short time on their way home. These camps are quite unsuitable for people used to a warm climate.

At present they are seas of mud. There is no electric light and the sanitation is of the most primitive kind. The evacuees' clothes and shoes are most inadequate, and many of them have not the means to purchase more.

The worst aspect, to my mind, of the whole affair, is that it is impossible for them to find work, and it is soul-destroying for people, especially those, many of them who are young, to spend weeks and months with no work and very little amusement.

We are a purely agricultural community, nearly all family farms. During the harvest some of the men were employed but the Gibraltarian is not an agricultural worker. A few have found work in Ballymena, six miles away.

The Gibraltarians were mostly earning good ways in England and of course paid their unemployment insurance contribution, but they cannot draw any benefit because of the residence qualification enjoined by Ulster legislation.

The Gibraltarians feel this is a great injustice and the very small allowance of pocket money they receive is much resented.

Theoretically, the Gibraltarians are at liberty to leave the camps, but as residence permits are needed for strangers living in Northern Ireland and are not granted to the Gibraltarians and travel permits to Great Britain are almost unobtainable, these people are to all intents and purposed in concentration camps.

The Gibraltarians are most loyal British subjects and it seems to me little short of a tragedy that at the end of the war we should return to Gibraltar (one of our most vital links of Empire) five thousand people who feel they have had a very raw deal at the hand of the British Government.

23 February 1945 Ballymena Weekly Telegraph

THE BRAID

The Gibraltarians at the Braid camps are displaying more and more talent in entertainment as was proved by a concert staged at Breckagh and Aghacully last week. Several items notably a ‘BBC Broadcast to Gibraltar', were most entertaining and refreshingly original, the ingenuity displayed in capturing the atmosphere of a real broadcast being an outstanding feature. Mr Harry Pearce as the announcer and commentator was ‘BBC' to the life!

The various items, Mr J L Gomez acting as accompanist throughout, were Rhumba sung by Miss C Gomez and danced by eight graceful girls; Spanish tango ‘El Pericon' sung by Mr J Roderiguez; Argentine dance, Spanish Pasodoble; song @I Wonder Why' by Misses J Olivero, Lourdes and Juana Ferrari; ‘Espada Trium' sung by Mr L Suarez; ‘The Bells are Ringing' action song by eight lovely lassies; Tango by Mr H Vinales; ‘The Great Illusion; a clever piece of Maskelyne magic by Messrs H Pearce and J Gomez; A pleasant surprise! Eight bonnie Braid lassies (whose birthplace was the Rock!), dressed in a near approach to Irish costume, gave an exhibition of an eight-hand reel which reflected great credit both upon themselves and their teacher, Miss Sheila Hughes. ‘Public Bench' a humorous sketch depicting what might happen at any seat in any park in our democratic country; ‘Alegria de la Huerta' a Spanish operetta, from which a lovely song was sung by Mr M and Mrs Reyes and Mr L Suarez; Hungarian dance by Miss G Vinales and Miss C Garcia. ‘The Somnambulist' comic sketch by Miss T Vinales, Messrs H Pearce and H Vinales; Spanish song, with castanet accompaniment, by Miss E Gomez and Mr L Suarez; ‘Seranade' (Schubert), accordion duet by Misses E Gomez and R Vinales; ‘Three Little Sisters' Misses R M and T Vinales; Irish reel, six Breckagh belles; ‘El Sembrador' Mr Manuel Reyes; ‘Broadcast to Gibraltar'.

The following committee merit a attribute on their faultless organisation; Messrs John Gomez, Carlos Perez, Thomas Estelle and E Lara.