Optimism and progress at St Lucia Regeneration Committee AGM

THERE was a strong sense of optimism and progress at the latest public meeting of the St Lucia Regeneration Committee, held on Monday, February 2, in the lecture theatre at South West College, Omagh, which was kindly made available for the event.

The meeting marked a significant milestone for the group, with its first annual meeting taking place.

Members formally agreed the committee’s constitution, elected officers, and updated those in attendance on the positive developments achieved to date.

The election of officers was conducted by Frances Folliard, with James Herron elected chairman, Tony Watson as vice-chairman, Matthew Bell as secretary, Dwayne Marshall as treasurer, and Stevan Patterson appointed liaison officer.

Members also agreed to introduce an annual membership fee of £20, open to anyone in the public, to help cover running costs. Plans are now underway to establish a bank account, enabling the committee to pursue funding opportunities to support its ambitions.

Newly appointed liaison officer Stevan Patterson presented a booklet outlining the progress made since he organised the first public meeting on August 14 under the banner 'St Lucia Barracks, Omagh - Three Museums on One Site'.

He spoke enthusiastically about the vision to develop a military museum, a County Tyrone Museum, and a Harry Ferguson Museum of Innovation at the historic site.

Mr Patterson highlighted County Tyrone’s central role in the development of the world-renowned Ferguson System, describing Omagh, the county town, as a fitting home to celebrate the life and legacy of Harry Ferguson and the many innovators and achievers connected to the area.

He noted that the week ahead would mark the 90th anniversary of the Ferguson System Day of Patents, reflecting the pioneering work carried out by Ferguson and his engineers in County Tyrone between 1933 and 1935.

He also pointed out the historic links between Thomas MacGregor Greer, the main financial backer of Harry Ferguson, and the former Cookstown Technical College, now part of South West College, making the meeting venue particularly appropriate.

Referring to recent discussions at Stormont about the possibility of a Northern Ireland sports museum, Mr Patterson suggested that such a facility could be incorporated into the proposed Harry Ferguson Museum of Innovation, celebrating sporting as well as technological excellence from all walks of life.

Adding a tangible sense of history to the evening, a local collector passed around a remarkable sword dating back to 1793, underlining the richness of local heritage and the importance of providing a permanent home where such artefacts can be displayed and appreciated.

The meeting also benefited from strong public engagement, with attendees offering valuable advice and several experts volunteering their services to support the committee’s work going forward.

Concluding the evening, the newly elected officers thanked everyone for their excellent attendance and ongoing community support, expressing confidence that the St Lucia Regeneration project is continuing to build real momentum.