Mill worker statue plan is welcomed

The idea of a mill worker statue was first put forward by the partnership back in 2006 as part of our Braidwater Mill project.

This project looks at the social, economic and political history of the Braidwater Mill and how we can best preserve the legacy of the Mill for future generations.

We felt a statue would be a fitting and long over due tribute to the men, women and children who toiled in the mill for generations under harsh conditions and whose labour helped to build the economic foundations of our town.

We applied for funding for a full size bronze statue of a Mill worker, but were told that to prove our ability to deliver such a project we would have to try for something on a smaller scale.

We then drew up plans and commissioned an artist for a Mill mural to be sited in King George’s Park.

After consultation with local people and an input from former mill workers and school children the mural was created in 2007/08 with funding from The Arts Council of Northern Ireland through the Re-Imaging Communities and much help from the HPI volunteers.

We have since met with a number of agencies, statutory bodies and funders to progress our original idea of a Mill worker statue sited in a prominent place in the Harryville area.

We have identified a potential site, are in consultation with the owners about our plans and will be submitting a planning application shortly.

We are also looking at similar projects both in Ulster and on the mainland which aim to preserve our industrial heritage and hope soon to be hosting an information evening when a number of examples will be on display.

We’re also keen to preserve any existing history relating to the Mill and feel that the wrought iron gates and surrounding stone work, probably the only physical reminder that the mill stood on that site, is worth saving.

The partnership looks forward to the continuing support of the local people and businesses and in the mean time we’re asking everyone to call into our new offices on Larne Street with their thoughts and ideas about the Braidwater and Tillie! (Our Mill Girl).

Yours, Nick Moffett, Community Development Officer, Harryville Partnership Initiative