News
Belleek Flower Festival
Belleek Parish Church Historic Flower Festival
Following the successful launch of the Historic Flower Festival in the Hotel
Carlton on Tuesday 28th April, the picturesque village of Belleek, Co. Fermanagh
is gearing up for what promises to be a unique cultural weekend celebrating
the village’s history in flowers, stained glass, pottery and music.
Launching the Festival, the Reverend Noel Regan outlined the various events
taking place over the weekend of the 22nd to 25th May 2009. Following the
official opening at 2.30pm on May 22nd, Belleek Parish Church will be open
to all for viewing until 9.00pm on Friday; 10.00am to 9.00pm on Saturday
23rd; 2.00pm until 9.00pm on Sunday 24th; and 10.00am to 6.00pm on Monday
25th. These viewings, which include visiting both the Church and Belleek
Pottery, can be for groups or individuals; if you wish you can be accompanied
by a tour guide who will provide information on the various floral displays
by renowned Floral Artists Collette Maguire and Austin Stronge from Omagh;
the newly unveiled Potter’s Wheel Stained Glass Window by David Esler
of Leadlines Stained Glass Studio, as well as the history and links between
the church, Belleek Pottery and the local community.
Refreshments will be available in the adjoining Wark Hall, where a number
of community flower arrangements will also be on display. These arrangements
have been designed and created by local schools and community groups from
Belleek and Garrison during workshops with Jenny of the Flower Basket, Belleek,
and are designed to reflect the individual groups. Each evening outdoor entertainment
will be provided from local concert and silver bands, with the festival being
rounded off with a Songs of Praise at 6.00pm on Monday 25th, followed by
a supper dance in the Hotel Carlton at 9.00pm.
Reverend Regan added that “it had been a privilege for him over the
last two and half years to preside over the events leading up to this historic
weekend. The unveiling of a memorial plaque in 2007 in memory of William
Henshall, by the Honouree Helen Rankin, Chairperson of the Belleek Pottery
International Collectors Society, was followed by the very successful Harvest
Thanksgiving service the same year which celebrated the 150th anniversary
of the founding of Belleek Pottery by John Caldwell, Robert Armstrong and
David McBernie”
Reverend Regan added that “this festival has been a long time in the
planning, including in recent weeks, the transformation of Belleek church
with the construction of a new arch and chancel in which the Potter’s
Wheel window will be situated; we’re now just looking forward to sharing
the weekend with everyone and anyone who has a love of Flowers, History,
Art, Music or all of the above. This weekend will have something for everyone.”
It
is not essential to book for individuals; however, if you wish to make
a group booking to view the festival or wish to dine at the Wark Hall then
please call Joy on 028 686 58756 or 07907932245.
For any other information
on the Festival or to purchase a ticket for the Supper Dance please contact
Betty on 028 686 58492.
Potter's Wheel Window - Designed by David Esler of Leadlines
Stained Glass Studio.
Group Picture Left to Right - Jim Johnston, Betty Johnston, Alice
Johnston, May Love, Wilma Watson, Collette Maguire Floral Artist, Joy Graham,
Elizabeth Ovens, John Maguire Managing Director Belleek Pottery, Joan Regan
and Revd Noel Regan.
Collette Maguire Floral Artist from Omagh and Revd Noel Regan.
Date: 30th April 09