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.