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Heritage `angels' recognised at Guildhall awards event

The renovation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church into Portico, a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue, which was carried out by Neil McClure, topped the Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place for projects under £2M category at the 2018 Heritage Angel Awards NI, which took place at the Guildhall in Derry
The renovation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church into Portico, a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue, which was carried out by Neil McClure, topped the Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place for projects under £2M category at the 2018 Heritag The renovation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church into Portico, a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue, which was carried out by Neil McClure, topped the Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place for projects under £2M category at the 2018 Heritage Angel Awards NI, which took place at the Guildhall in Derry

THE restoration of a run-down church into a stylish arts venue in Co Down was last night awarded a top prize at the 2018 Heritage Angel Awards NI.

The renovation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church into Portico, a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue, which was carried out by Neil McClure, topped the Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place for projects under £2M category at the event, which took place at the Guildhall in Derry.

The awards, which are funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, with further support from Derry and Strabane District Council and the Department for Communities, celebrate individuals and groups who have rescued historic buildings or sites, worked as craftsmen or apprentices, or recorded and interpreted historic places.

Seven awards were last night presented during a glittering ceremony.

Among the other award winners was Foyle Civic Trust, who won the Best Major Regeneration of a Historic Building or Place for projects in excess of £2M category for its Walled City Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Robert Stewart (22) won the Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People award for his work at Lissan House & Demesne, while the Apprentices of Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership Project won the Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project category for its Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership.

Margaret Gallagher from Mullylusty Cottage, Belcoo in Co Fermanagh won the Best Heritage Research, Interpretation or Recording award.

Heritage Advocate, Mary McLaughlin won the Lifetime Achievement award while Ciara Denvir and Peter Boyle, of Ormiston House, won the public vote.

Nicola McVeigh, Chief Executive of Ulster Architectural Heritage, said: "We were truly overwhelmed by the level of interest demonstrated by the Northern Irish heritage sector with over 80 nominations and applications received from a diverse range of projects.

"The ceremony gave us the opportunity to recognise not only our winners but also everyone who took the time to enter. The Heritage Angel Awards is a three year project and I hope last night’s success encourages even more entries in 2019 as well as awakening a renewed interest in our local heritage sector".

Andrew Lloyd Webber said all the winners deserved to be "celebrated for their significant roles in saving Northern Ireland’s Heritage and for the time, enthusiasm, skills and energy that they have dedicated to this important cause".