Issue 224 - BT22 • BT23
Fields of Change afoot for Agri Conference
North Down Museum will host a oneday conference on Thursday 30 October at Bangor Castle, focusing on farming, land and rural heritage in the Borough of Ards and North Down. The event will explore the Borough’s farming traditions and evolving landscapes, offering insights into how agricultural practices and landholding patterns have shaped its cultural and physical character over the centuries. Bringing together historians, archaeologists and local experts, the conference is an opportunity to discover new perspectives on the rural heritage of this historically rich area, which spans 228 square miles. The conference has been prompted by the work of the Ards and North Down Heritage Cluster, an informal network of local heritage groups established in June 2022. Mayor Gillian McCollum with David (far left) and other Portavogie Primary School pupils
Portavogie PS Pupils participate in Postcard Design Project The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, visited pupils at Portavogie Primary School who took part in a special art project titled ‘A Postcard from Portavogie’. Each pupil designed their own unique postcard, using imagination and artistic flair to highlight what they love most about the area – from coastal views to favourite landmarks. The Mayor said: “All of the children
did really well in producing some fantastic and colourful designs that really showcased their creativity. It wasn’t easy to select a favourite design but congratulations to nine-year-old David from Primary
6 whose designed has been selected to be professionally printed and displayed in our local Visitor Information Centres.” All postcards were displayed at the Tide and Turf Food Festival in Portavogie earlier this month while a limited number
featuring David’s colourful design will soon be available in the centres for visitors, offering them the chance to send a little piece of Portavogie to friends and family near and far. To find out more, visit your local Visitor Information Centre.
Meeting quarterly, the Cluster provides a forum to discuss heritage issues, explore partnership projects, share research, and identify training needs. Speaking about the conference, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian The Fields of Change Conference will take place in Bangor Castle on Thursday 30 October, 9.30am-3.30pm. Tickets are £12, including a light lunch. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised. For more information and to book, visit: https:// andculture.org.uk/whats-on/ fields-change-farming-landand-rural-heritage-ards-andnorth-down