£89k funding windfall willallow ABOD enhance hall

GENERAL Secretary of the Apprentic Boys, Billy Moore, has warmly welcomed an £89,089 funding windfall to enhance the Memorial Hall and museum in Londonderry city centre.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Aug 2013, 14:24 BST
From left, Billy Moore of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Mel Higgins, Ilex, Paul McNaught, DSD and James McIlvar, Strategic Investment Board, pictured outside the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall with William Stewart from the Crimson Players Drama Group.From left, Billy Moore of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Mel Higgins, Ilex, Paul McNaught, DSD and James McIlvar, Strategic Investment Board, pictured outside the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall with William Stewart from the Crimson Players Drama Group.
From left, Billy Moore of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Mel Higgins, Ilex, Paul McNaught, DSD and James McIlvar, Strategic Investment Board, pictured outside the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall with William Stewart from the Crimson Players Drama Group.

He made the comments after local regeneration company Ilex announced the award as part of the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund.

Mr Moore, who is also Secretary of the Memorial Hall Trustees, commented: “We are delighted to receive this financial support which has enabled the trustees to enhance the visitor experience of the Memorial Hall. We trust that tourists, plus individuals or organised groups from the local community, will take the opportunity to visit our unique premises and enjoy browsing through our exhibits. We assure all visitors of a warm welcome and we hope everyone will depart with a much greater understanding of the history, culture and traditions of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.”

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Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland said: “I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide financial support to this worthwhile project.

“The additional attractions, enhanced facilities and exhibitions will provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors to the Memorial Hall during the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations and beyond.”

Caoimhín Corrigan, Ilex’s Cultural Broker commented: “The Memorial Hall is a key resource and plays a valuable role in the city’s history. This funding will improve the tourism offering in Derry~Londonderry by drawing more people through the doors to view the various exhibitions and artefacts on display. “This visitor enhancement project will add to the cultural offering throughout 2013, especially for those who want to learn more about the city’s story.”

Future exhibitions will focus on the Siege and the story of the Apprentice Boys.