Heritage talk to examine importance of preserving historic buildings

THE future of historic buildings is the focus of the next heritage talk organised by Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust (SMBPT)

The talk - 'Everyday Buildings and why they Matter' - will focus on the Hands-on Heritage initiative.

This is an initiative of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and aims to make people more aware of the need for vigilance in trying to preserve historic buildings.

A SMBPT spokesperson said: "In West Tyrone we have lost many buildings of historic importance.

"Presently, indeed there is public concern about what can be done to preserve Miltown House which has associations with the renowned poet and hymn writer, Cecil Frances Alexander."

These issues will be to the forefront in a heritage talk to be given at The Stables, Sion Mills on Thursday, October 16 by Kevin Millar of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society.

The spokesperson added: "Kevin will also present his research on Ulster’s most unadorned ecclesiastical buildings as a case study highlighting the importance of documenting modest, everyday structures within the Ulster landscape.

"He will discuss Ulster Architectural Heritage’s Hands-on Heritage project as a helpful platform for recording and celebrating the region’s more understated yet defining heritage."

The meeting will take place at 7.30pm in the Heritage Education Centre at The Stables.

Refreshments will be served and the Sion Mills Heritage Museum will be open.

Kevin’s presentation will be the opening event in the new series of talks hosted by SMBPT.