3rd February 2007.
Dear Reverend Regan,
This year, Belleek Pottery Limited is celebrating 150 years in business. We have planned a programme of events throughout the year as part of our celebrations.
The highlight of these celebrations is the holding of the Belleek Collectors International Society's convention for the first time ever here in Belleek and Fermanagh. This major event is scheduled for the 18th to 21st April 2007, with large number of Collectors from across the world attending.
We would ask your permission to erect a small plaque in memory of William Henshall - we only found out recently from a map of the graveyard that he is buried there - and also for us tidy William Armstrong's grave. We anticipate that a number of people taking part in the convention will wish to visit the graveyard during the above dates.
We look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Martin
Group Personnel Manager and, Manager - Donegal China.
5th March 2007.
Mr. T. Martin,
Belleek Pottery Ltd
Belleek,
Co. Fermanagh.
Dear Mr Martin.
Thank you for your letter of 23rd February re celebrations associated with the
Pottery and the request to erect a plaque at the grave of William Henshall and cleaning up
Williams Armstrong's plot.
There is absolutely no problem with either of these requests however there is just one requirement which applies in the event of erecting a headstone. The design, inscription and a description of the material must be submitted to the Rector and the church wardens for approval. A plaque would have to be dealt with in the same manner.
I have already mentioned this to the vestry and they wondered if perhaps there could be something erected in the church to honour these two men. Personally I would like to see a service of Thanksgiving for the 150 years of employment etc. that the pottery has provided in the area. This could coincide with the Collectors convention or later in the year and would include the entire community. I hope this is of some help and I am happy to discuss it at any time. Regarding the plaque I realise time is a factor and once I have verbal description then it can be followed up with a written account.
Yours sincerely,
Revd. Noel Regan.
IMPARTIAL REPORTER
Service to Honour Original Pottery Men.
By Lily Dane
The annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Belleek Parish Church marks a special milestone this year, the l50th anniversary of the Pottery. Two of the original Pottery workers, including the man credited with being a founder, are buried in the church graveyard.
Mr. Robert Williams Armstrong, one of the Pottery's founders and Mr. William Henshall who is acknowledged for bringing and developing the craft of basket making, are buried in church grounds.
The Harvest Service is a thanksgiving for the Harvest and also for the employment given in the area over the last 150 years," reports Belleek Church of Ireland minister, the Rev. Noel Regan, who points out that the Pottery "has been responsible for putting the village of Belleek on the map worldwide."
He makes reference to the burial place in the church grounds of Mr. Robert Williams Armstrong, civil engineer, architect, inventor, and ceramic historian.
A plaque, erected in the church grounds and recently refurbished acknowledges the Pottery founder and notes that through his zeal and endeavour the name of Belleek is renowned throughout the world. The first manager of Belleek pottery was born in London in l824 of County Longford parents and he died in 1884. ( Architectural projects undertaken by Mr. Armstrong included the Manor House, when owned by the lrvines; Killadeas Priory Church; and the Presbyterian Church in Ballyshannon, which closed very recently. Fellow Pottery founder, Mr. David McBirney gave the ground for the Roman Catholic Church in Belleek and Mr. Armstrong gave his services as the architect.)
The second pottery stalwart buried in Belleek parish Churchyard is Mr. Henshall, who was born in Stoke, Staffordshire in 1846 and died at Belleek in 1902. Credited for bringing and developing the craft of basket and flower-making to the Pottery in 1867, he remained at Belleek, working and producing many innovative basket designs, until his death.
Earlier this year, a plaque was unveiled in the grounds of the church, in memory of Mr. Henshall (who is famous for creating the Henshall basket.)
The plaque's unveiling was performed by Helen Rankin, honouree for 2007, curator of Carrickfergus Museum, who is due to return for tomorrow evening's Harvest Service.
Other guests will include descendants of Robert Armstrong; the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Mr. Alex Baird; Councillor Tommy Gallagher; representatives of Belleek Pottery; and representatives of the Masonic Order.
Mr. Armstrong had been a prominent Freemason in Ireland. He presented a very
famous, dinner service to Ederney Lodge and a representative is to bring a piece to the service. The occasion will also be attended by the Rev. Nigel Kirkpatrick, originally from Belleek, a son of Mrs. Edith Kirkpatrick and the late Tommy; Fermanagh High Sheriff, Mrs. Rosemary Forde and Mr Paul Tubb, member of the UK Collectors.
Lessons will be read at the service by Belleek Pottery's managing director, Mr. John Maguire and the Earl of Erne, Lord Lieutenant for Fermanagh. The Bishop of Clogher, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Jackson will give the address.
The Rev. Noel Regan says that their Harvest event acknowledges all the people involved in the founding of the Pottery - particularly the two men buried in the church grounds.
He believes it is appropriate for the service to focus on these people, including the other two founders, John Caldwell of Castle Caldwell and Mr McBirney, a merchant from Dublin.
It is an honour today to give thanks for their contribution and to continue to build on it said Mr. Regan, adding that it also extends to those who run the pottery today, including George Moore.
The service, due to start at 8pm, tomorrow, is open to all wishing to attend. Refreshments will follow immediately in the Wark Hall. The Harvest celebrations will continue with a service at Belleek Parish Church this Sunday morning, starting at 11.30 am. The church remains open all the time and a visitor’s book is available for signing. However a particular welcome is extended over the Harvest Weekend. It is a "harvest for the community,” commented Mr Regan.
Impartial Reporter 20-9-2007.
