Guests arrive at the newly refurbished house at Rowallane.
On entering the building visitors can trace the history Rowallane and its Garden.
Heather Thompson, the Northern Ireland Director of the National Trust,
details the development of Rowallane Garden and house over recent months.
Gerry Lowe OBE, chair of Saintfield Town Regeneration Committee, explains that, while there has been under-investment in the infrastructure of Saintfield over many years, that is about to change. STRC has submitted an application to DRAP for the funding of the creation of an identifiable square in the centre of the village. An application is currently being submitted for Lottery funding to finance the regeneration of buildings within the village’s conservation area. Agreement has been reached on the purchase of land at the cricket pitch where a community centre and enhanced sports facility will be developed.
Local MLA Simon Hamilton congratulates the National Trust on their investment at Rowallane.
Over the next few years Saintfield will become an even more attractive location
for both residents and visitors.
Heather Thompson, Simon Hamilton and Gerry Lowe prepare to cut the ribbon.
Snip, the ribbon is cut, and Rowallane Garden – A World Apart … is officially opened.
The Rowallane staff pose for a group photograph.
The new Café is situated in the refurbished house.
A former office is now a very pleasant room in which to enjoy food and refreshments.
The tree trunk from Rowallane Garden which has somehow been moved indoors,
and the Living Wall of plants which has an automatic plumbed in watering system.
The bright and colourful new shop …
… stocked will all sorts of temptations to purchase.
After the opening ceremony Rowallane’s Head Gardener Averil Milligan
takes some of the guests on a tour of the new walks and the Walled Garden.
Why not call in soon? Bring your friends along too!