Northern Ireland Centenary commemorative programme launched in Antrim and Newtownabbey

The local authority recently received £94.600 funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office which will support our exciting and diverse programme.

The commemorative programme ‘A Country’s Centenary for Our Community…..Reflecting Back, Striving Forward’ will be characterised by three elements: Reflecting on our past, Commemorating our Centenary and Inspiring our future generations.

Cllr Montgomery said: “I am proud to launch this programme which is innovative, educational and inclusive. I would urge all of our community to participate. Our unique shared history is what has shaped us today and we must all embrace the future with gusto and hope.”

Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund added: “We are absolutely delighted to support Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council through the Shared History Fund.

“The Shared History Fund is a programme we are delivering on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office to help a wide range of groups mark the Centenary of Northern Ireland in a thoughtful, inclusive and engaging way.

“This is an opportunity for the 39 projects funded to explore key moments and events in our history, as well as engage with a wide range of communities to understand what Northern Ireland means to them.”

A council spokesperson said: “The programme has many strands and will engage with the whole community from children to veterans. It will include; Centenary Scripts, we are inviting our community across the generations to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboards and tell us their feelings about the Centenary of Northern Ireland and Partition of Ireland 100 years ago. These scripts will be displayed across the Borough in our Parks and community spaces.

“Centenary Child, each baby registered at Mossley Mill and Antrim Civic Centre will be offered a commemorative birth certificate and entered into a monthly draw for a special gift commissioned by local artist Ruth Moxen.

“An exciting schools project will be rolled out to all P7 pupils across the borough, inviting them to design An Alien’s guide to Northern Ireland highlighting all the characteristics that are unique to our wee country.

“A special timeline exhibition will go on tour across the borough, covering all significant events which have taken place over the past 100 years, globally, UK wide, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“A photography competition – Centenary in an Instant for both professional and amateur photographers with a theme of Our People and Our Place.

“We are asking for special possessions which can collectively tell the story of the last 100 years of our lives by being used to create a ‘Centenary Collection’ exhibition featuring treasured objects, their story and their place in a shared past.

“One Giant Weekend will take place from Friday, September 3 to Sunday, September 5 at V36, Antrim Castle Gardens and Mossley Mill. This three-day celebration of culture and crafts will showcase the best of Northern Ireland.”

For more information, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/nicentenary

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