THE Heritage Angel Awards celebrate the unsung heroes who are painstakingly conserving local history across Northern Ireland. From 53 submissions they have been assessed by a panel of experts from the heritage sector and whittled down to 18 projects across six categories.
Within the categories is an award for Best Craftsmanship or Apprentice of a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project as well as one celebrating the Best Research or Interpretation of a Historic Building or Place. Both these accolades highlight the importance of maintaining tradition and keeping history alive.
Best Craftsmanship or Apprentice of a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project
Nathan Morrow, The Rock Stone Masonry
The Heritage Angel Awards provide an opportunity to thank volunteers who are often doing thankless work. For example, Nathan received two nominations for the craftsmanship carried out by his firm.
At Drummonds’ Grave in Ahoghill Old Graveyard kerbs were replaced with Donegal sandstone and cast-iron collars fitted. At B+ listed Riddel’s Warehouse, they have carried out stone conservation repairs and cleaning as well as repairs to front doors and overseen partial reroofing works. The Rock Stone Masonry regularly volunteer to demonstrate at events.
Kieran Agnew, Thatcher and Apprentice Tommy McWilliams (Joint Nomination)
Kieran has been nominated for wheat straw thatching the listed Sam’s Cottage in Hannahstown. Kieran encouraged 19-year-old Tommy McWilliams to work on re-thatching his family’s property, the 18th century Keenaghan Cottage in Fermanagh, which is now an award-winning holiday accommodation. Since then, Tommy has gone on to thatch full-time with Kieran.
Bernard Cunningham, BCS Plaster Moulding
Bernard undertook decorative fibrous plasterwork at the listed Fisherwick Farmhouse, former home of the Marquis of Donegall. The vaulted ceiling in the living room and the barrel ceiling in the dining room were repaired. Bernard has 36 years’ experience in his craft and is a member of Plaisterers’ Hall. He lectures widely and is an assessor for the Construction Industry Training Board.
Best Research or Interpretation of a Historic Building or Place
In addition to ensuring historical buildings are effectively maintained the importance of researching them should not be underestimated. Researching places of historical significance allows us to develop an understanding and appreciation for them. It is also forms the foundation that schemes of conservation, repair or alteration are built on. This is highlighted in the Best Research or Interpretation of a Historic Building or Place category of the awards.
Mapping monuments volunteer group
Binevenagh & Coastal Lowlands Landscape partnership scheme researched an area of historic landscape by Lough Foyle estuary on the North Atlantic coastline. The area is the location of a pioneering Ordnance Survey of Ireland mapping work carried out in 1846. Volunteers worked with trusts, universities and museums to record and interpret material, using the best practice techniques for mapping reshaped landscapes.
Dr Paul Logue and Ciara Macmanus
Archaeologists Dr Paul Logue and Ciara Macmanus collaborated in researching the archaeology and history of 10 High Street. Their investigations and research led them to identify the building as mid-16th century or earlier, once belonging to the Dobbin merchant family. The findings have significantly advanced knowledge of Carrickfergus’s medieval past and will support its future exploration.
Dr Aisling Rusk and Amberlea Neely
9ft in Common Belfast highlights the overlooked heritage of Belfast’s forgotten alleyways, or “entries” as they are locally known. Amberlea and Aisling mapped the alleys, explored their ownership and illustrated creative solutions for their transformation. An archive of stories has been developed into a series of resources from walks to ‘how to’ guides, that encourage people to use the alleys in new ways.
