THE captivating history of Crossgar has come to life with the unveiling of three interpretative panels in the village.
The panels are the brainchild of the Crossgar Area Community Association and have been funded by the Department of Communities’ Historic Environment Fund Revival Scheme.
At the unveiling of the new panels last Thursday, the deputy chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, councillor Gareth Sharvin, said the council was pleased to assist with the project.
Welcoming the panels detailing the history of Crossgar, he praised the community association’s determination to ensure local people had an opportunity to learn more about the history of the place they call home.
“I would like to thank the Department of Communities for funding this initiative through their Heritage Environment Fund and hope that visitors and local people alike enjoy the panels,” said Cllr Sharvin.
Delving into the village’s rich past, the community association researched its history, tracing it back to the late seventeenth century, when the area was known as Everogue’s Bridge.
The journey unfolds through time, highlighting the emergence of the ‘new’ village of Crossgar as a bustling market town.
Positioned at Lislea Drive Playing Fields, the Square Car Park and Killyleagh Street, these three interpretative panels outline this historical transformation, providing information on some of the key landmarks within the area.
“The project not only enriches the village’s amenities for local people, but also fosters a deeper connection with their heritage,” a spokesperson for the district council added.
“Additionally, for visitors exploring Crossgar, these panels offer a captivating glimpse into the local history, enhancing their experience.
“The Communities Historic Environment Fund Revival Scheme played an integral part in this project.
“This funding scheme supports heritage work throughout Northern Ireland, enabling community groups and owners of historic properties the ability to access various funding streams.
“The funds contribute towards stimulating heritage projects which increase public awareness of the heritage value of historic buildings and monuments.”
Local councillor Callum Bowsie said he is delighted the new panels have been installed.
He added that Crossgar is a wonderful place to live and he hopes the signs help to further promote the village.
“The three locations I’ve chosen are at Everogue’s Bridge, Market Square, and Killyleagh Street (site of a battle), each outlining a different aspect of Crossgar’s rich history using information I’ve gathered over the years,” added the Rowallane councillor.
“Unlike other villages in Rowallane, Crossgar has never had any history signage.
“I’ve been lobbying for history signs around Crossgar for years and finally a grant of £4,000 was found last year through DfC’s Historic Environment Fund.
“I would like to thank Crossgar Area Community Association for supporting my funding application.
“Thanks to HED and the NMD Council for their cooperation over the last year, as well as Crossgar LOL. Thanks also to Philip Spratt from Crossgar for designing the signs, and Platinum Expo (Carryduff) for manufacturing the signs,” Mr Bowsie concluded.
