Seskinore celebrates a lasting tribute to village heritage

A three-year community project to create a lasting identity for Seskinore has reached a successful conclusion, with the unveiling of a distinctive new sculpture celebrating the village’s rich history, rural traditions and close connection with its natural surroundings.

The impressive feature represents a huge achievement for Seskinore Rural Community Group (SRCG), whose dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the project from an initial idea to a permanent landmark of which the whole community can be proud.

A subgroup of five volunteers from within the Community Group took responsibility for driving the project forward, with a clear vision that the sculpture should be much more than an attractive addition to the village landscape.

Instead, they wanted to create something meaningful that reflected the historical influences, traditions and way of life of generations who had lived in Seskinore, while giving present-day residents a feature they could identify with and take pride in.

With the help of many others and valuable input from the wider community, the subgroup worked to develop a design that would capture the village’s distinctive character and offer visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past.

Every element of the sculpture has a story to tell.

It acknowledges the importance of Seskinore Forest and the significant role it continues to play in village life, while also celebrating the area's agricultural and industrial heritage through the inclusion of a waterwheel.

The waterwheel is a reminder of the flour mill which once used its power to grind locally grown corn, reflecting the importance of traditional rural industries to the community.

A pheasant also features prominently, commemorating the historical significance of Seskinore Forest as the home of Northern Ireland's largest state-run pheasant-rearing and game farm.

Together, these features provide a distinctive reminder of the people, traditions and activities that helped shape Seskinore over the years.

Seskinore Rural Community Group has expressed its sincere appreciation to everyone who provided funding and support, as well as to local residents whose encouragement and kind words throughout the project helped make the three-year undertaking so worthwhile.

The successful completion of the sculpture is another example of the commitment and community spirit which underpin the work of SRCG.

Led by current chairperson Jonny Clements, the group comprises 17 dedicated committee members, supported by a large number of volunteers who work throughout the year to organise events and activities that bring people together across the community.

With generous backing from local businesses and other supporters, the group's flagship events include the highly successful Seskinore Forest 5K Run and Seskinore Forest Fest, both of which have become important occasions in the local calendar.

The money raised through these activities is reinvested in the community, supporting local charities and helping to fund projects which make a positive difference to village life.

Its work encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from environmental projects such as regular community litter picks to social and educational activities including table quizzes, local history talks and Christmas celebrations.

The group remains committed to creating opportunities for people to come together, strengthening community connections and ensuring Seskinore continues to be a welcoming and vibrant place for everyone.

The completion of the heritage sculpture is a particularly fitting achievement, providing the village with a permanent symbol of its past while looking confidently towards the future.

It stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when dedicated volunteers, local organisations and residents work together with a shared vision and pride in their community.