Courtesy of Coleraine Historical Society
Coleraine Rewind Sandra Watton Brings the Past to Life
From a lightbulb moment to a community lifeline, Coleraine Rewind reconnects the past with the present
they help ensure that every post is authentic and meaningful. “It’s so lovely that people can revisit their youth and reminisce
FOR SANDRA WATTON, Coleraine Rewind began with a lightbulb moment. Fourteen months ago, she launched the Facebook page, transporting thousands back to the streets, shops, and shared memories of Coleraine town. Now, with almost 7,000 members, the page has become a hub for reconnecting people across generations and continents. “I thought, why not create something similar to the Old Coleraine site? There’s so much history here, and it deserves its own space,” Sandra recalls. “It’s nostalgic for people. It takes them back to their youth, their parents, and the streets and shops that shaped their lives.” What started as a hobby quickly transformed into a lifeline, particularly for older members. Many who learned to use technology during the pandemic have been able to reconnect with people they haven’t seen in years. “I get messages from people saying this group has brought them so much joy,” Sandra shares. One message from a man in his late 80s, who emigrated to Australia 50 years ago, said, “You don’t know what this means to me. I’ve reconnected with so many people and places I miss from growing up.” Sandra’s page has also fostered a cross-generational exchange of knowledge, with members sharing our local history, from photos of long-lost shops to school class pictures. Her team of ‘group experts’, whom she describes as invaluable, includes local history enthusiasts, and
about places they once loved,” Sandra says. “If there’s one thing you can do in life, bringing people together like this is a brilliant thing to do.” Balancing her role as the creator of Coleraine Rewind with her job as a social work coordinator, Sandra remains driven by her love for the town and its history, ensuring that the page remains a genuine community space. “I’m passionate about Coleraine. This page is about supporting people, whether through work or the page,” she says. “It’s a lifeline, a celebration of community, and for thousands of people, it’s a second home.”
Courtesy of Bann Disc
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