The online and in person events are designed to encourage people to explore items of ‘lost’ built heritage in Belfast’s historic parks and gardens. They’re the result of an Ulster Architectural Heritage partnership with the Colin Area and North Belfast Men’s Sheds, supported by Belfast City Council, the Public Health Agency and Groundwork NI.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina Black said: “I was delighted to hear about this project, entitled ‘The People’s Parks – Memories and New Visions’ because it’s celebrating our city’s built heritage – including ice houses, drinking fountains and even swimming pools, that once stood pride of place in some of our most historic parks and gardens.
“But even more importantly, it’s brought men together to explore this heritage, to learn new skills, to build confidence and to make new friendships. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved and encourage as many people as possible to get along to the parks to join in the free fun on offer!”
Throughout the weekend of 25-26 March, there will be a selection of free activities on offer, including photography workshops, an online tour, artist’s visuals and conceptual tributes to two items of lost built heritage to view.
The free events are taking place:
- Saturday 25 March (11am-2pm) at Waterworks Park
- Sunday 26 March (1pm-4pm) at Alexandra Park
All events are free; but booking for photography workshops is essential. Find out more and book here: www.ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk/events
Keep up to date. Follow @ulsterahs @BelfastCC @PublicHealthAgency @GroundworkNI
#LostBuiltHeritage #People’sParks
Representative from the Colin Area Men’s Shed
“As a member of Colin Men’s Shed, I took part in a project with Ulster Architectural Heritage called “People’s Park Memories and Future Visions”. I found this experience to be extremely fascinating and beneficial not only for myself but also for all the men at Colin Men’s Shed. As part of this project, we visited public record buildings, where we were taught about the types of historical information that are stored and how to search records using freely available resources. Thanks to our collaboration with UAH, we were able to create a model of the Waterworks’ Ice House, which will give us an opportunity to showcase a part of history that has long been lost to the public. The UAH project has personally inspired me to pursue my own research into the local history of Old Colin Wood and Collin House within the Colin area. It’s absolutely fascinating to uncover historical information, and each new discovery brings an incredible sense of excitement!”
GroundworkNI
“We are delighted to be able to support this wonderful project with Ulster Architectural Heritage and the men’s sheds. It has brought men together to explore, revisit and reminiscence on their local heritage while offering opportunities for learning and new exciting activities.” (Rachel Toner, GroundworkNI)
Public Health Agency
“The Public Health Agency are delighted to be able to support this excellent project. Men’s Sheds are a fantastic way for men to support each other to reduce isolation, keep active and make good friends” (Victoria Creasy, Senior Health Officer, PHA)
