Yes we are off to Norn Iron shortly and it will be more of a Musings from the Mournes than from the Merse-but not to worry it is only for three weeks. In the meanwhile I am glad to publish a good news story-with no community council mentioned-about a project very dear to Huttonian's heart. This is the turning of the disused remains of the old 'Bogey Line' into a trail which goes up into the Mournes with a start point some 500 yards South of Huttonian Cottage. As a boy it was my favourite ascent way up Slieve Donard-the highest of the Mournes. Previously the bogey line carried the Mourne granite from the quarries to the harbour and via 'Stone boats' to pave and build Liverpool (and even, so it is said, the Albert memorial in Lunnon) The Harbour Association, of which Huttonian is a sporadic member, worked up this project led by Bernard Davey, a former BBC weather forecaster of the Fish era who retired early before he even got one hurricane wrong. We shall shortly walk the trail (see images in the December rant) and report further.
If we are spared
THE Newcastle Granite Trail, which creates a natural gateway from the sea to the mountains, has been opened.Down Council chairman Robert Burgess cut the ribbon yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon to officially open the project, which celebrates Newcastle’s long association with the quarrying of granite.The trail follows the line of the funicular railway that was first laid in 1824 by John Lynn, initially to Millstone Mountain and then on to the more productive Thomas’ Mountain. Known locally as the Bogie Line, tens of thousands of tonnes of granite were produced each year by the late 1880s. However, by World War Two the line had fallen into disuse and the metal was dismantled for use in the war effort.This trail is unique as it has a number of artefacts located at various points along the way, including the bogie trucks, which were used to transport the quarried granite down to the Harbour.REGENERATIONNewcastle resident Bernard Davey, who is secretary of the Newcastle Harbour Area Community Association (NHACA), has spearheaded the regeneration of the Granite Trail.He advised walkers to take the steep part of the trail “in fits and starts.”“Walk a short distance, turn round and admire the view, then walk on another section,” advised Mr Davey. “The trail evens out and becomes much easier, and, of course, when you are coming down it’s easier again.” Speaking at the official opening, Cllr Burgess said: “The Granite Trail has utilised the previously untapped natural and cultural resources of the area in a sustainable manner and we hope it will mark the start of the regeneration of the Harbour area.”These sentiments were echoed by Mr Charles Territt, chairman of the NHACA, who commented that the completion of the Granite Trail was a “good example of the partnerships that can be developed between community groups and Down District Council to achieve a positive outcome for Newcastle.”“This,” he continued, “is one of the most innovative projects in Newcastle for many a year.”The Granite Trail was made possible through funding provided by the Mourne Heritage Trust as part of the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative under the Peace and Reconciliation Programme. It was a joint initiative between Down District Council and the Newcastle Harbour Area Community Association.
This account comes from the Mourne Observer of 5 May. Its a pity we don't have a Peace and Reconciliation Programme in these parts-we might be able to milk it to finish of the village hall?
