The Trustees
Discover Groomsport was set up in October 2022 with the following purposes:
- To celebrate and promote the advancement of the rich history and heritage of the village.
- To help preserve Cockle Row Cottages and some of the other important heritage buildings in Groomsport and to contribute to making the village an attractive and safe place for residents and visitors.
- To work to ensure that future plans and developments for Groomsport are consistent with its heritage and uniqueness.
- To strengthen the local community of Groomsport by increasing community participation.
Elaine Nixon
Elaine was born and reared in the ‘Port’ and can trace her roots back generations on both her paternal and maternal sides. She still lives in the village with her husband John.
Elaine is a retired primary school teacher and very involved in many aspects of Groomsport Presbyterian Church. She enjoys reading thrillers and mysteries. Her other interests are in music, drama, local history and travel. Elaine is a founder member of the village drama group the Turnstones and has written and directed the pantomimes for some years now.
Over the last 40 years Elaine has served as a committee member and Chairperson in numerous Education, Health and Charity organizations.
Elaine is interested in celebrating, encouraging and promoting more community participation in village events for locals by locals and also the advancement of the rich heritage and surroundings of our beautiful village.
Peter Gibson
Peter was born in Donaghadee. A retired social worker, he has lived in Groomsport since 2005. During that time he has been active in local organisations. For 10 years, he served as secretary and chair of the Gardening Club and, for 5 years, he was active in Groomsport in Bloom. He is currently secretary of the Bridge Club.
He wrote the text of the information panel on the Eagle Wing that is currently on display in the Walter Nelson Hall. Peter also has an interest in researching family history.
Liz Barron
Old lady who lives on The Hill. Former BBC journalist and executive with international marketing and communications experience. American citizen recently returned to Northern Ireland. Currently works in youth development/adult education and skills training.
Particular interests in storytelling, local nature and NI lifestyle/cooking. Passionate about creating engaging events for our local community; leveraging Groomsport’s value as a North Down coastal location in partnership with Bangor, Ballyholme, Orlock and Donaghadee; and encouraging wider interest in visiting and cherishing our village.
Sharon Goldie
Rev David Irwin
Minister of Groomsport Presbyterian Church 1966-1991 and of McCracken Memorial, Belfast 1991-2003. Pastoral associate 1st Holywood (Bangor Road) 2002-2013.
Author of “Tides and Times at the ‘Port’”. A narrative history of the Down Village of Groomsport with particular reference to the 150 years of Groomsport Presbyterian Church.
Worked overseas in America, Canada, Malawi, Kenya and South Africa.
Interests: Ancestral genealogy, local history, travel, photography, writing, fundraising for Malawi, sport and still conducting services.
Married to Maureen. Three married daughters and five grandchildren.
Maureen Irwin
Lived in Groomsport as a baby and returned to the Manse in 1991. Stayed for 25 years before going to Belfast. She has 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren.
Maureen was a teacher of children with special needs. She represented the Presbyterian Church on various boards in Ireland and England and represented the Irish churches in Europe and Israel. She worked, short-term, in Malawi and Kenya.
Main interests are photography, travel, gardening and local history. Returned to live in Groomsport 12 years ago.
David Martin
A native of east Belfast, I grew up in Dundonald, and worked as a Chartered Civil Engineer
for four years in southern Africa before returning to the east. We moved to Groomsport
sixteen years ago. At that time I was managing the Northern Ireland operations of a major
Consultancy company.
Shortly after arrival, I joined the committee of the Groomsport Village Association, serving for twelve years. I was Chair of the GVA for four years, Treasurer for three and Vice-Chair for a further three. Having also joined the Groomsport Gardening Club shortly after arriving, I served on the Committee and acted as Treasurer for six years.
A keen sports fan, my involvement in local athletics lasted twenty seven years as competitor and coach, and brought Northern Ireland and All-Ireland titles.
I’m married and have two adult children.
Geoffrey McKeown
Has lived in Groomsport for the past 33 years after marrying Dawn, formerly Moffett. Has an adult daughter, Gemma.
Was a hospital engineer for the Belfast City Hospital and then the Belfast Trust, now retired.
Interests sailing, hiking, DIY and supporting Guide Dogs, puppy training and fund raising.
He is looking forward to helping in the promotion of Groomsport and all its assets.
Jim McMullan
Roy McWhinney
I have been a resident of Groomsport for over twenty-two years. I am married to Amanda with four children who are now young adults.
I have been active in the local community for many years. I was one of the last
members of Groomsport Primary School’s board of governors (my son being one
the last pupils) to helping in the village’s Christmas tree light switch on event. I was
also a member of Groomsport Village Association and the award winning
Ulster In Bloom competition committee. I am also a member of Groomsport Presbyterian Church
and have good relations with the
Groomsport Parish Church and Groomsport Evangelical Church.
My works entails travelling throughout Northern Ireland.
Therefore I will be on the watch for any good ideas that I can share with the village.
Audrey Thomas (Patton)
Audrey grew up in Springwell Crescent and attended Groomsport Primary School.
While she no longer lives in the village she has fond memories of growing up there and hopes to return to live there. Her family still live in Groomsport and she is actively involved in different aspects of life in Groomsport Presbyterian Church.
Audrey has been a secondary school teacher in Belfast for 27 years. She is married with 2 teenage children. As they were growing up many happy hours were spent in Groomsport, particularly during the summer, when they enjoyed visiting Cockle Row and participating in the activities offered there.
Audrey is interested in preserving and promoting the best features of Groomsport for future generations.
