Lottery Fund awarded to Ballymaconnelly Renewal Group

The Renewal Group were seeking the funding to provide a reflection room to commemorate the First World War. The room will contain a spectacular range of artefacts and memorabilia from the Great War as we mark the 100 year anniversary of its commencement.

Group member Johnny Wallace explained: “Over the years we have come to learn of some amazing war stories and recounts of acts of heroism from a huge number of local men and women. We want to try and bring these stories back to life and promote our local heroes, many of whom still have strong family connections in our communities today.”

Mr Paisley added: “This is a great opportunity to enlighten people of all ages within our community of the very real contributions that the people of North Antrim made to the British war efforts. The Renewal Group deserve high praise for producing this initiative.”

Mr Wallace also noted: “While we were very proud of this idea, making the reflection room a reality would not have been possible without the financial support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the group.”

Mr Paisley concluded: “I am confident that the room will have a great footfall of visitors and will serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.”

The project, which will be hosted in the Ballymaconnelly Orange Hall is expected to be completed and open to the public by the end of February next year.