19 July 2000

NIGEL DODDS VISITS COMMUNITY MUSEUM

The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds MLA, today visited the Fernhill House Community Museum in West Belfast.

The museum was developed by the Glencairn People's Project with funding of £1million from the Department's Belfast Regeneration Office and the International Fund for Ireland.

It houses an unique collection of uniforms, memorabilia and weaponry from the First, Second and Boer Wars. Many of the items were donated by people from the Shankill area. There is also a living history display of life in the area and a Shankill Hall of Fame.

The Minister toured the displays and was updated on plans by Fernhill to develop tourism in the area and to market the museum using the Internet. A service to trace relatives buried in the City Cemetery is already provided on the Shankill Diaspora site.

The Minister said: "This is the type of positive and community-driven response to local regeneration that my Department is very keen to support. The continuing efforts and imaginative approach to developing tourism and creating jobs by this group is to be commended.

"I would recommend any visitor to Belfast to include Fernhill House on their itinerary."

Museum Manager Tommy Kirkham said: "We are delighted to have Mr Dodds visit our museum. It is vital to promote and preserve the culture and traditions of the Shankill people. This is a key part of our plan to encourage tourists to visit the Shankill and the Minister's presence is recognition of his Department's commitment to regeneration in our area."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION please contact the Information Office at the Department for Social Development on 028-90569219