Centenary Field declaration for Bentra Golf Club and Diamond Jubilee Wood

The site of the Whitehead Aerodrome was today declared ‘officially protected’ on Thursday 7th July 2016 as Mid and East Antrim Borough Council named it as a Centenary Field.

Coming just one week after marking the anniversary of the first day of the battle of the Somme in 1916, this accolade is timely recognition that Bentra Golf Course and Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood was the wartime home to the Whitehead Aerodrome between 1915 and 1917. It was the first military aviation facility in Northern Ireland. Airships based at the site patrolled the waters between Ireland and Scotland to combat the German U-Boat menace.

The Centenary Field dedication was celebrated with a free family fun day to celebrate and highlight the historical, sporting and environmental importance of the site, and with the official unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Activities include mini golf competition, bird box building, a mini archaeological dig and a historical walk led by local historian and author of ‘Airships over Ulster’, Guy Warner.