National Lottery Thank You Campaign – Portaferry says “thank you “
Portaferry in County Down is saying a big thank you to the millions of people who play the National Lottery, raising money for good causes, and who have helped regenerate this beautiful coastal town in recent years.
Organisations have come together to give Lottery players a special treat with free guided tours of the heritage buildings and landscape that they have supported around the town and its Strangford Lough shorefront, from 11am – 1pm on Friday 15 December.
The recently restored Market House, which played a part in the 1798 rebellion, and Portico Arts and Heritage Centre, a grade A listed building modelled on the Greek temple of Nemesis, will be open with guides telling their fascinating history and redevelopment stories, with free teas, coffees and mince pies and even the chance to have a go on or listen to a refurbished pipe organ!
Lottery funding has given new life to Portaferry’s heritage buildings, restored traditional farm gateways, trained people in heritage building work, created a heritage trail, recognised the town’s literary connections, and celebrated Strangford Lough’s wildlife and landscape.
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “December is a wonderful time to experience the UK’s rich, diverse and exciting heritage, which has been transformed by more than £7bn National Lottery funding since 1994. This is a small gesture of thanks and a way of giving something back to the people who buy tickets.”
John Dumigan of Portaferry Regeneration Ltd said: “We are pleased to collectively say thank you to the people who are making a real difference for rural communities, through the National Lottery. Our Townscape Heritage Initiative has not only revived buildings it has also created local employment and given the whole town a great boost.
“We have worked with property owners to address dereliction and breathe new life into property at the centre of the town and on the shorefront”.
Portico’s Manager Dr Verity Peet added: “I know people play the lottery in the hope of winning but when you look at the projects the National Lottery funds you can see that even when you don’t win your money still goes towards great causes. We wouldn’t be having all these amazing concerts at Portico without the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. And we wouldn’t have the Heritage Lottery Fund without people buying lottery tickets!”
Isabel Hood, Chair of the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Committee also said: “Thank you, Lottery players, for the Turn O’ The Tide Programme, researching and celebrating the heritage not only of Portaferry but all around Strangford Lough.
“Hundreds of people benefitted directly through employment, revenue, skills development and health and well-being initiatives, while tens of thousands, young and old, from all walks of life and with differing abilities, enjoy the festivals, restored traditional gateways, portable pontoon, shore walkway, water based activities and great DVDs, CD, maps and publications.”
Just show your National Lottery ticket or scratch card (old or new) at the Market House on the 15th.
Tours will commence from the Market House at 11:00am and 12:30pm
Download Turn O’ The Tide maps and guides on: www.strangfordlough.org/projects/turn-o-the-tide.
www.portaferryregeneration.com
Participating National Lottery funded projects across the UK are saying ‘thanks’ to people who have raised money for good causes by buying a lottery ticket from 11-17 December.
The National Lottery
National Lottery players raise, on average, over £30 million each week for projects all over the country. In total £37 billion has been raised for Good Causes since The National Lottery began in 1994 and more than 510,000 individual grants have been made across the UK, the majority (70 per cent) of which are for £10,000 or less, helping small projects make a big difference in their community!
www.national-lottery.co.uk @TNLUK #NationalLottery
The Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, the people of Northern Ireland invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings loved by all, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife.
www.hlf.org.uk @heritagelottery
