Work of heritage ‘angels’ to be applauded at Belfast ceremony

THE unsung heroes of the battle to preserve our local heritage will be honoured in a ceremony tonight.

The inaugural Northern Ireland Heritage Angel Awards — organised by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society — are taking place at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.

The spotlight will be shone on individuals or groups who have rescued a historic building or site, worked as craftsmen or women or apprentices or have recorded and interpreted a historic place.

The shortlisted entries are: Best Rescue of a Historic Building: Georgian townhouse at Main Street, Moira; Sion Mills Stables, and The Dirty Onion warehouse, Belfast.

Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People: Amma 2.0, a virtual creation of Armagh Cathedral and Market Square; Red Brick Belfast, a project in the ‘Village’ area of Donegall Road, and Belfast Hills community archaeology dig.

Best Craftsmanship or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue/Repair Project: Ballycopeland Windmill Conservation Project; Victorian Ceiling Rose Restoration at Fitzroy Avenue, Belfast, and Mount Stewart restoration.

Best Rescue, Recording or Interpretation of a Historical Place: a unique experiment at the resettlement of 11 World War One ex-servicemen on Cleenish Island, Upper Lough Erne; new life for the Old Canal re-watering at the summit section of Newry Canal; Mills of Northern Ireland and the development of an online resource featuring maps of 3,200 mills.

The awards will also celebrate ‘Heritage in Song’, with music featuring local artists, including Brigid O’Neill, Duke Special (inset) Anthony Toner and Gareth Dunlop.

Tonight’s winners will in turn progress to the United Kingdom final in London to be held on November 20.