Tales of the Little Blue Flower – heritage exchange between Mid and East Antrim and Waterford

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, was delighted to meet with a group of heritage practitioners from Waterford recently – during their two-day study visit to Mid-Antrim Museum at The Braid, Ballymena.

The study visit included guided tours of Raceview Mill, Broughshane and Gracehill village, which recently secured UNESCO World Heritage status. 

A special event was held exploring how flax was traditionally grown, retted and scutched as part of the linen making process at Tenth Glen Heritage Farms near Martinstown – who are also involved in the cross border project.

Their event also provided an opportunity for Glenravel Historical Society to highlight the voluntary work they carry out to reconnect diaspora around the world with roots in the local area. Participants, including local artists and makers from the Ballymena area, took part in a story telling session.

The study visit provided an opportunity for project members from Waterford and the Ballymena area to share common experiences and interests. The group from Waterford included representatives from Portlaw Heritage Centre and also Council Officers from Waterford City and County Council who are working on the delivery of a two-year project with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Arts and Culture team.

Mayor Alderman Beth Adger MBE said: “Council is pleased to see this joint two-year project underway between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Waterford City and County Council.  Building Shared Creative Communities helps us understand the importance of how our industrial heritage shaped our locality, highlight the potential of our micro-creative industries and showcase what is in common between the two areas.”

Katherine Collins, Creative Waterford Manager at Waterford City and County Council, added: “Creative Communities on a Shared Island funding provides us with a wonderful opportunity for Waterford and Mid and East Antrim to develop and enhance our shared sense of community. This can be achieved by fostering creative opportunities for connection through social interaction, engagement and dialogue and by examining our shared industrial heritage including the importance of craftmanship and innovation in the past and for the future.

“We were delighted to have visited various locations in Mid and East Antrim and discussed shared heritage, creativity and culture – which forms the basis for further collaboration. We look forward to hosting a return visit to Waterford and the village of Portlaw later this year.”