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Stanmillis University
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning
http://www.stran.ac.uk/informationabout/courses/lifelonglearning/
Hidden History: The Upper Bann Valley
A Theatre of Beauty and Architectural Elegance
In September, as part of their Winter Programme, Stranmills University organised 6 'walks' in the Upper Bann Valley under the expert guidance of Plunkett Campbell
Week One
Gilford Castle, Friends Meeting House in Moyallon, Elmfield Castle and Dunbarton House
Coffee and scones in Gilford Castle
Christine Wright (Gilford Castle) kindly made us a cuppa!
Friends Meeting House in Moyallon
Elmfield Castle
Derek and Anne Shaw kindly gave us a tour and the history of Elmfield Castle.
The view of Gilford Mill from Dunbarton House
Week 2
The Pot Belly, A Walk along the Bann, Tullylish Church of Ireland and Kernan Lough
A beautiful walk along the banks of the Bann
and stoppd to see some fairies along the way
Plunkett explained the importance of the River in the Linen Industry
Tullylish Church of Ireland was the next stop and the story of the Reverend Yeats was shared.
George Wilson kindly opened the church for us and showed us the records
A Kernan swan to welcome us as Plunkett told the story of the Battle of Keran Lough
WEEK 3
Scarva Village, Sarva House, the Pig's Dyke and Lisnavara Fort
Plunkett told us about the history of Newry Canal
The view from the Church of Ireland in Scarva
overlooking Potstick Row
Scarva House
The Pig's Dyke
A beautiful morning for a walk in the grounds of Scarva House
After a cuppa in Banbridge Golf Club, we headed to the place where it is reported that King Bolly crossed the river on his way to the Boyne.
Next stop - the Unitarian Church to see the magnificent plaque dedicated to Hugh Dunbar
Next Stop was Ferguson's Factory on the Scarva Road in Banbridge.
A wonderful place to visit and lovely to hear this local factory now supplies top designers like Vivienne Westwood and Ralp Lauren.
Well worth booking in for the tour.
An amazing tour of the factory - from the thread to the finished product - and it was NOISY!
Explaining how the colours change with the seasons and how the different cultures coming to Ireland affect what we wear.
Some of the towelling products designed for top hotels
The final week took the group to the Dromore Area where everyone got a chance to climb the Dromore Motte and Bailey.
http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/dromore-mound.html
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