CURRENT PROJECT

The Greg and Rainey mausolea 2009.

Less than three years after its formation, the Follies Trust celebrated the completion of its first project – the conservation of the Greg and Rainey mausolea in Knockbreda graveyard, Belfast. On a beautiful sunny morning the Chairman of the Trust welcomed Minister for Finance Sammy Wilson MP MLA

Chairman greeting Minister.

and invited him to launch the publication Knockbreda – its monuments & people. Afterwards he cut ribbons, wrapped around the mausolea, helped by descendants of the families who erected the amazing monuments in the eighteenth century.

Knockbreda launch and celebration.

The Minister paid tribute to the Follies Trust for their work in completing their first project and combining it with a fine publication. Ninety people who included the Trust’s consultants, contractor, funders, friends, descendants and colleagues celebrated the occasion in style.

Speaking before the launch, the Chairman of The Follies Trust, Primrose Wilson CBE, enthused:

“Follies are joyful little buildings which aim to please!”

“These gorgeous structures proclaim to the world the importance of the people buried in them – they played a major role in making Belfast a great industrial city. The mausolea are part of Belfast’s heritage and have received a new lease of life since their restoration.

“The Follies Trust is proud to have played its part in rejuvenating this part of our history. Today at our celebration we are delighted to be joined by the Minister and descendants of the Greg and Rainey families who have travelled from Glasgow, London and Cambridge to be with us.”

This is how the mausolea looked before work started

FUTURE PROJECTS

During 2008-9 the Follies Trust undertook a review of possible future projects with the help of Conservation and Heritage Officers and members of the public.
 
The Trust is working to progress three new projects with the help of the relevant Local Authorities, Conservation Officers and other partners. They are:
The Stroan Fountain, Kilkenny.
The Dennis Mausoleum, Clonbern, Co. Galway.
Two of Lord Limerick's follies on the roadside at Bryansford, Co. Down.
 
Subject to availability of funding, the Trust hopes to conserve these interesting follies for everyone to enjoy in the future.
 
The Follies Trust also hopes to restore the third Knockbreda mausoleum - to Waddell Cunningham et al. Efforts to raise funds are continuing.

Stroan Fountain, Kilkenny

Cast iron mausoleum in Clonbern, Co Galway

Waddell Cunningham mausoleum, Knockbreda, Belfast

Lord Limerick's follies on roadside, Bryansford, Co. Down

Read the recent Belfast Telegraph article about the latest projects by the Follies Trust.