Seasons Greetings From Footsteps

Robert Forshaw, owner of Footsteps, would like to pass on his Christmas wishes to all the clients, performers and supporters of Footsteps Historical Interpretation. Mr Forshaw said "It has been a great year for Footsteps. We have developed a fantastic team of performers of all ages, who have provided the high standard of historical costumed interpretation that we expect at Footsteps and our clients expect as well. To our performers I would like to thank them for all their efforts this year and the professionalism and sense of fun they have brought to each and every project. 2012 has been a fantastic year for us and it has seen Footsteps become well known for its excellence and expertise in the field of historical interpretation. To our clients and to those people who have supported Footsteps as well as me, on a personal level, I offer my sincere thanks and wish each and every one of them a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New year!"

Footsteps Brought In To Add Christmas Cheer

Footsteps are delighted to announce that they will be providing a little Christmas cheer at Castle Coole this December. Robert Forshaw, owner of Footsteps, said "I am absolutely delighted to be involved with Castle Coole's Christmas programme of Events. It is a glorious property in the National Trust portfolio and to be providing the "great" man (do you need to know who?) at this time of year is a treat. I love adding a little something special to the character of Father Christmas.. sure I am a big child at heart." Robert Forshaw will be appearing throughout the month of December and for more details of the event contact Castle Coole, National Trust, Enniskillen.

Footsteps Help Leixlip Celebrate Opening Of Arthur Guinness Square

Square deal for Arthur in Leixlip

At the Arthurs Day celebrations in Leixlip was The Town Crier Robert Forshaw. Photo John Barrett.

Published on Friday 5 October 2012 10:49

LEIXLIP’s Main Street car park is now officially Arthur Guinness Square.

Following good work by the Town Council, its chairman, Colm Purcell officially named the Square and unveiled an information board celebrating the history of Guinness in Leixlip at the Liffey riverside on 27 September.

The Brewer’s Way and Arthur’s Walk are also part of the new Leixlip, which the result of much planning and work by a Town Council sub-committee convened by Cllr. Anthony Larkin.

Cllr. Larkin said there had been a “hot debate” over the naming of the Square.

Patrick Guinness said Arthur was “a very ordinary person” when he brewed in Leixlip before moving to Dublin.

His brother, Richard, had a lease on the Salmon Leap, now in sad decline and unused as a public house, until 1803.

Cllr. Colm Purcell said there are proposals to create an Arthur route taking in Leixlip, Celbridge, Oughterard, which would cater for walkers and cyclists.

Cllr. Purcell told the Leader that Leixlip and Celbridge had to work together on this tourism project. Celbridge Tidy Town Association is planning to erect a €30,000 statue to Arthur, probably near Castletown Gates.

However, the fate of the Salmon Leap Inn, now closed, but once run by the Guinness family, has been lamented.

- Henry Bauress

Footsteps Awarded Tender To Deliver Education Programme for Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership

Footsteps is very pleased to announce that they have been successful in gaining the tender to provide a 10x day historical interpretation programme as part of the Faughan Valley Woodland Timemachine Education programme. Footsteps will be delivering an interactive and engaging programme from the 15th of October to the 26th October 2012. Robert Forshaw, owner of Footsteps said, "The Faughan Valley is a beautiful area of the North West. It is filled not only with areas of outstanding beauty but with huge historical significance. To be given this opportunity to bring to life the Faughan Valley's historical past is a huge privilege." The theme of the programme will be based on the Planatation of Ireland era in the 17th century.

Footsteps To Provide Living History Training For Down County Museum

Footsteps to received confirmation that they have been awarded the tender to provide living history training for members of staff at Down County Museum. The training will take place throughout the months of January & February 2013 and will consist of an in depth, interactive and hands-on training programme. Robert Forshaw, owner of Footsteps, said "I have provided training in living history throughout Ireland and further afield throughout the last 15 years and it will be a great pleasure to be working with the staff of Down County Museum and helping to develop and nurture their Historical Interpretation Skills."

Footsteps Brought In To Perform Historic & Literary Walking Tours At Tall Ships Festival In Dublin

Footsteps are proud to announce that they will be performing Historic & Literary Walking Tours, of Dublin Docklands, as part of the superb Tall Ships Festival this August. On Friday 24th & Sat 25th August 2012, Dublins Historic and Literary pedigree will be brought to life by the talented Footsteps performers. Robert Forshaw, owner of Footsteps, said "It has been a superb season for Footsteps, and the Tall Ships Festival is a wonderful addition to our calendar of events. With  family roots in Dublin, I can not wait to perform again in such a beautiful and wonderful city." Tours run from 11am - 12.30pm and 8pm to 9.30pm each day.

Footsteps Awarded Tender For Summer Animation Programme on Derry's Walls

Footsteps is proud to announce that it will be providing 1st person Historical Interpretation for the Summer Animation Programme taking place on the historic Derry's Walls. The programme of events will cover themes such as, The Plantation of Ulster, The Siege of Derry, Restoration Dramatists, The Earl Bishop and World War 2. As part of the contract Footsteps will also be providing the historical interpretation and performance for the Irish Walled Town Festival on August 25th 2012.  Footsteps owner Robert Forshaw said "I am absolutely delighted that we have been successful again in the tender process. Having recently completed contracts in Strabane and for the Clipper Festival in Derry, it will be a real pleasure to be back in the North West." Robert went on to say "having written my dissertation on the Williamite Wars, I am thrilled to be interpreting and performing on these most historic and iconic walls, it should be a lot of fun." The programme begins on Friday 20th July and runs every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 1pm - 4pm, through to the 31st of August 2012.

Footsteps interviewed by Gerry Anderson at Clipper Festival

On Friday 6th July, Gerry Anderson was broadcasting live from the Clipper Festival in Derry. About an hour into his broadcast he was interrupted by two American Military Police from 1944, played by Foosteps owner Robert Forshaw and cast member Finton Daly. Go to www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/b01kf6zj to listen to their conversation.

Murder at the Gin Mill returns to the Cabaret Club

 

Due to popular demand, "Murder at the Gin Mill", our hugely successful 1920's themed murder mystery evening will be returning to the Cabaret Club in Belfast on July 13th 2012. For those who came to the first night and would like to return rest assured that although you may recognise some of the characters from the opening performance, the story-line will be brand new. For those who would like to come for the first time please book your tickets now so as to avoid disappointment.

Whilst enjoying dinner and drinks be whisked back in time to a 1920’s speakeasy. With crooners and flappers to entertain you, watch the intrigue, scandal and even murder unfold before your eyes at this swanky joint. Then take up the challenge of collaring the guilty party for this brutal crime, and see if you are as good a sleuth as you think you are. With all the ingredients for murder and mystery the “Gin Mill” will be sure to serve up another memorable night of entertainment and havoc.

To book go to http://www.cabaretbelfast.com/

Footsteps Awarded Tender for Clipper Festival

Footsteps has been awarded the tender to provide historical interpretation for the Derry City Council, Clipper Festival, from the 2nd of July to the 8th of July 2012. Over this period Footsteps and its experienced and professional performers will be portraying a series of characters that relate to Derry's maritime history. From Colmcille to survivors of the Spanish Armada; from a woman waiting to emigrate to Canada to US Marines stationed in Derry in World War 2. With over 50,000 - 100,000 visitors expected to visit the city events, Footsteps is delighted to be involved in such a significant festival. Owner Robert Forshaw said "I am very pleased to be working once again in the city of Derry. It is a wonderfully historic city, and we look forward to the opportunity to bring to life some of its past historic, interesting and entertaining characters."

Footsteps brought in to perform for the Commemoration of the Balmoral Review

Footsteps has been brought in to perform at the commemoration of the Balmoral Review, taking place on the 19th May 2012, Ormeau Park, Belfast. Partisan Productions, commissioned to create a piece of performance focusing on a number of the main characters in this period of Ulster's political past, has asked Robert Forshaw to play one of the four main characters. Footsteps is delighted to be involved in this interesting piece of performance and Robert Forshaw, founder & Director, said "I am very excited to be involved in this project. Being a lover of all things historical, it will be a wonderful opportunity to get my teeth stuck into this fascinating period of our past. I look forward to working with Fintan Brady of Partisan Productions and the other actors involved, in the near futures."

Tyrone Times - Report of events at The Argory, that Footsteps have developed

Birkenhead – The Argory Story





AHOY THERE ITS THE STORY OF THE BIRKENHEAD AT THE ARGORY �� Visitors to the National Trust property�of The Argory, Moy,will discover the heroic tales of Captain Shelton, 2nd owner of The Argory and survivor of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead. The Birkenhead was one of the most documented maritime disasters before the Titanic and was the first ship to coin the phrase Women and Children First! �Visitors can discover his heroic tales on board, enjoy a fun and interactive room with activities such as semaphore flag navigation, spot the smells of the Birkenhead and The Argory treasure trail. Look out for��living history interpretation featuring the man himself - Captain Shelton on 15 April, �24 June,��18 and 19 August. � Helping to launch the exhibition at The Argory was Captain Shelton aka��Denis Halligan.

Published on Saturday 21 April 2012 09:09

DESCRIBED as our year of opportunity, 2012 is packed with events, celebrations and commemorations, including the centenary of the sinking of the world famous ship the Titanic.

The Argory, Moy has its own maritime story to tell and visitors to the National Trust property will discover the heroic tales of Captain Shelton, 2nd owner of The Argory and survivor of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead.

The ill fated Birkenhead was transporting troops to Algoa Bay when she struck rock and was wrecked at Danger Point near Gansbaai on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa on 26 February 1852. The Birkenhead was one of the most documented maritime disasters before the Titanic and was in fact the first ever ship to have coined the phrase ‘Women and Children First!’ With an insufficient number of serviceable lifeboats on board, the soldiers and seamen famously stood firm, allowing the women and children to board the boats safely.

Visitors to The Argory this season will learn about Captain Shelton’s life before the sinking and his time as a member of the 12th Royal Lancers. Visitors can discover his heroic tales on board and a fun and interactive room with activities such as semaphore flag navigation, spot the smells of the Birkenhead and The Argory treasure trail will appeal to adults and children alike.

“The story of Captain Shelton’s life, his journey on the Birkenhead and the aftermath of the sinking is an intriguing story” said Claire Donnelly, Visitor Services Manager for National Trust Mid Ulster properties.

“We are so excited to be sharing Captain Shelton’s story, 160 years on, especially and in a year where maritime history is so evident in Northern Ireland. Not only will visitors hear our unique stories, through living history interpretation but can also see a unique piece of history; the vest that Captain Shelton wore on the night of the sinking as he swam to shore through shark infested waters.”

Just 30 minutes from The Argory, Springhill will also celebrate a unique link with The Titanic. For the first time ever, visitors to the National Trust property in Moneymore will be able to see an original hand written letter, scribed by 11 year old Eileen Lenox-Conyngham on board the Titanic in 1912.

The letter, written on White Star Line headed paper dated 10 April 1912, will capture the hearts of many. Eleven year old, Eileen Lenox-Conyngham, started her journey as a first class passenger with her family, they boarded at Southampton and fortunately were only crossing the channel to disembark in Cherbourg, before travelling on to Paris for their family holiday.

Visitors to Springhill can discover Eileen’s story, enjoy afternoon tea, visit the Titanic costume collection and the fun and interactive interpretation room, which will also reveal stories about life in 1912, from travel through to communication and education. Birkenhead – The Argory Story will open at The Argory on Sunday 15 April where living history interpretation will take place as well as 24 June and 18 and 19 August.

Titanic – The Springhill Story will launch on 28 and 29 April and a series of events will take place throughout the season.

View Article at:http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/lifestyle/birkenhead-the-argory-story-1-3751772

"It's Murder on the Cabaret Floor"

     Footsteps in full murder mystery mode

Footsteps is proud to announce that they have been hired to provide a fantastic Murder Mystery evening in conjunction with the Cabaret Supper Club, Belfast. The event, that is to take place on the 25th May 2012, will be a fantastic evening of 1920's murder, intrigue and cabaret. With the new script immediately in development, Footsteps are delighted to be involved in one of Belfast's most established variety and cabaret venues. Robert Forshaw, founder & Director of Footsteps, said "We are delighted with this latest opportunity. Footsteps has had an extremely busy 2012 and I am thrilled to be developing this new link with the Cabaret Supper Club. We are going to be performing in a fantastic venue, full of atmosphere" and with a smile Mr Forshaw added "it is the perfect venue for a spot of brutal murder and intrigue."  Event details and booking information will be posted on www.footstepshistoricalinterpretation.co.uk and on the Footsteps Facebook page, in the next fortnight.

Footsteps Awarded National Trust - Mid Ulster Properties Tender

Footsteps is proud to announce that they have been successfully awarded the tender to provide historical interpretation for the the Mid Ulster Properties of the National Trust. For Springhill House, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, Footsteps will be complimenting the established living history interpretation at Springhill on special event days throughout the season commemorating the Lenox-Conyngham family's link to the Titanic. Further information for these special events can be viewed at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill/.

Footsteps will also be writing, developing and performing a special historical interpretation performance that will commemorate the sinking of H.M Troop Ship Birkenhead and that will compliment the already excellent house tours for The Argory, Moy, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. Captain Shelton Bond, one of the subsequent owners of The Argory, was, at that time, a Cornet on board the Birkenhead when it was transporting troops to Algoa Bay, Africa. The Birkenhead left Simons Bay, Cape Town and sailed north along the East coast of South Africa and perished on Danger Point, in 1852. Shelton Bond survived and his return home will be brought to life for all visitors attending these special event days. Further information for these events can be viewed at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory/.




For further information on how Footsteps can bring your event, venue or site to life please contact us by visiting www.footstepshistoricalinterpretation.co.uk or by emailing Robert Forshaw at robertforshaw843@btinternet.com

Footsteps Awarded Strabane Council Walking Tour Development Tender

Footsteps Historical Interpretation & Drama Consultants are very pleased to announce that they have been successful in gaining the tender to write & develop the new walking tour for Strabane District Council. Over the next couple of months Footsteps will be writing the new tour, in consultation with the Tourism Development Officer, Philip McShane. Footsteps will also be training all the new tour guides as well as producing a training DVD and a tourism film, highlighting some of the more interesting historical figures of the area. Updates will be posted  throughout the process.

Should you be interested in finding out how Footsteps can assist you in your events, training or entertainment, visit our website at www.footstepshistoricalinterpretation.co.uk or email Robert Forshaw, owner of Footsteps, at robertforshaw843@btinternet.com.