Portaferry Thanks National Lottery Players

Portaferry, 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. National Lottery players are being treated with free guided tours of local heritage buildings and landscape that they have supported, from 11am to 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 fascinating history and redevelopment stories. National Lottery players can enjoy free tea, coffee, 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 the heritage buildings of Portaferry. It has 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.

Heritage Lottery Fund Chief Executive, Ros Kerslake 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 properties at the centre of the town and on the shorefront.”
Portico’s Manager, Dr Verity Peet commented, “Although people play the lottery in the hope of winning, 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. We also wouldn’t have the Heritage Lottery Fund without people buying lottery tickets.”
Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Committee Chairperson, Isabel Hood said, “Thank you, National 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 wellbeing 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.”
To take part in the free guided walks on Friday 15 December, just show your National Lottery ticket or scratch card (old or new) at the Market House. Tours will commence from the Market House at 11am and 12.30pm.

Download Turn O’ The Tide maps and guides on: www.strangfordlough.org/projects/turn-o-the-tide. To find out more about National Lottery funded projects in the region, visit www.porticoards.com and 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 to 17 December.