On March 11th, UAH welcomed the National Churches Trust Treasure Ireland Grants Committee to hold their first in-person meeting at OMB. The committee were welcomed by Dr Paul Harron who discussed the publication of the latest UAH book, WJ Barre: A Vigorous Mind. One of the Barre designed churches featured in the publication, Newry First Presbyterian Church – Non-Subscribing, received a grant of £7,500 in 2021 as part of the Treasure Ireland project.
Treasure Ireland is a new project by the National Churches Trust, to support historic places of worship in Northern Ireland. The project, which will run over three years, includes a new grants fund which will offer between £500 to £10,000 for repairs and maintenance to help keep churches in good condition and so prevent expensive repairs. ‘Treasure Ireland’ will also offer training and mentoring to help people who look after places of worship. This will include developing skills on writing funding bids, maintenance and interpretation and tourism.
Thank you to Nina McNeary for facilitating the visit.
