Carrickfergus regeneration sites part of heritage 2020 celebration

EHOD is an annual event which sees hundreds of Northern Ireland locations open their doors with many hosting free events. However, due to the coronavirus emergency and in the interests of public health and safety, it will be offered as a virtual experience for 2020. Carrickfergus Townscape Initiative (THI) will present a short film for #EHOD2020 on the restoration work ongoing at the Warrant Officer’s House, Guard Room and Gaol in Antrim Street which will include a visitor’s facility with information on the military history of the site. It will also feature some exciting archaeological finds at 10 High Street. The THI scheme is delivering much-needed regeneration of the built fabric of the town, as well as conservation and restoration of properties of historic and heritage value. Two conservation success stories are Dobbins Inn Hotel (read here) and Kelly’s coal office (read here), now restored to their former glory. THI is a five-year funding programme, currently due to complete in July 2021, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as principal funder (£1.55million) with additional funding contributions from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (£0.55m). You can enjoy this short film, which also includes interviews with heritage staff and THI board members involved in the scheme, on September 11. Meanwhile, the Andrew Jackson Cottage at Boneybefore is featured this weekend with two traditional craft activities being demonstrated on Mid and East Antrim Council’s Facebook page: Saturday, September 12, 12noon, Spinning Wool with Kay Johnston Sunday, September 13, 12noon, Rag Rug Making with Madeline McGreevey. Organised by the Historic Environment Division, Department for Communities, virtual EHOD will take place September 7 to 13. -- A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high-quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. Thank you.