The Story of Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative p9
The Education Programme
The THI scheme aimed not only to regenerate historic properties in Carrickfergus but also to highlight the important contribution they make to our understanding of the heritage of the town.
During a period of 2 years a THI Education Officer worked with a wide variety of groups to explore the built heritage of Carrickfergus, what has changed over the centuries, and to share this knowledge with as many people as possibile.
Examples of the Education Projects delivered included:
- Walking tours.
- Investigations into the historic fabric of Dobbins Inn, Market Place and 10 High Street using archaeologists and specialist techniques.
- Skills workshops working with local builders.
- Co-ordinating the celebration of World Heritage Day.
- The development of the town models by the Carrickfergus Men’s Shed, which can be viewed in the Carrickfergus Museum.
- The use of LEGO, modelling and Minecraft to support engagement with young people.
A number of publications were produced including the flagship publication ‘Carrickfergus Across the Centuries’ coffee table book publication, and the Education Programme supported the development of links with the Carrickfergus and District Historical Society.
The project worked with local teachers to develop a bespoke education resource called ‘Carrickfergus Built Heritage’.
This curriculum based education pack looked at the history of Carrickfergus from the medieval period through to modern day, covering the Victorians and how the town has changed with new styles and uses of buildings.
Many of the resources including “Carrickfergus Across the Centuries” are freely available to download from the Carrickfergus THI section on this website.
Acknowledgements
The THI Board would like to express its gratitude and thanks to those who have supported the delivery of the Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage programme.
First and foremost, we want to thank each of the project teams on which the scheme’s success depended, the owners, architects, specialist consultants, conservation architects, advisors, engineers, quantity surveyors and builders whose work and craftsmanship has left a legacy in our town, which people will enjoy and learn from for generations.
To The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board, it’s Board and staff for not only their support in the processing of claims, but for their encouragement in the early stages of development, advice and support through an extended process during challenging times.
We would also like to acknowledge the support of a range of statutory agencies and their staff in journeying with us over the past 10 years including those from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Department for Communities (Historic Environment Division), and Department of Infrastructure.
A special mention must go out to the Council Officers in Finance, Communications, Planning, Building Control, IT, Regeneration, Museums, and Tourism who supported the programme and stepped up when needed.
Finally, to Gail Kelly who supported the NLHF application process and THI project managers Frank McGrogan 2016-2019, Philippa Martin 2019-2022 and Keith Hamilton 2022-2024, education project staff Laura Patrick 2017-2020 and Donald Bell 2020 our Conservation Architectural consultants Coey architects and to our project mentor Malachy Martin.
Heritage Contacts
If you want to learn more about the THI scheme or about local heritage, here are a number of contacts and useful web sites:
Carrickfergus Museum
T: 028 9335 8241
E: carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Carrickfergus Castle
T: 028 9335 1273
E: carrickfergus.castle@communities-ni.gov.uk
Historic Environment Division
Historic Environment Division records, protects, conserves, and promotes Northern Ireland’s historic environment.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Find out more about the projects The National Lottery Heritage Fund has supported.
Carrickfergus and District Historical Society
The society was established in 1974 to promote a knowledge and understanding of the past by means of education, recording and dissemination of information, specially of the history of the Carrickfergus area.
E: Carrickfergushistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Facebook: Heritage Carrickfergus
Positive Carrickfergus
Positive Carrickfergus works to build community, promote community-led regeneration and increase civic participation so that Carrickfergus is a great place to live.
This has included the development of a community-led historical maritime exhibition, Sails and Tales, based in the old Kelly’s Coal Office and the delivery of arts events in Carrickfergus’ historic Town Hall.
E: positivecarrickfergus@gmail.com
Carrickfergus Community Forum
Supports a number of member groups involved in the delivery of heritage projects.
E: carrickcommunity@btconnect.com
Past and Present Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative Board Members and Advisors
Elected Members
Billy Ashe, James Brown, John McDermott, Lauren Gray, Robin Stewart, Cheryl Johnston, David Clarke, John Stewart and Bethany Ferris
Social Partners
Bob Harper, Paul Bunting, Robert Stewart, David Hilditch,Lee Robb, Norman McKeown, David Crosbie and Ruth Turkington.
Advisors
Teresa Campbell, Paul Logue, Karen O’Neill, Paul Kerrigan, Philip Wightman, Roy McClean, Paul Carr, Neil Carr and Neil Richardson.