Omagh Probus Club Wednesday 11th November 2026
The speaker on Wednesday 11th November was Mrs Isabel Brennan, Heritage Officer for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, based in the Strule Arts Centre. Her talk about the Council’s Heritage plan 2030 was illustrated with a slick PowerPoint, supported by a glossy information booklet. These set out a strategy designed not only to preserve our rich heritage but also to celebrate it and ensure it remains vibrant for future generations. Mrs Brennan pointed out that in celebrating the past, it is also necessary to set a course for our future.
Her interesting presentation embraced 3 themes:
1. Natural heritage: This refers to the natural features of our environment embracing areas of scientific interest, areas of outstanding natural beauty and the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants.
2. Built heritage: This refers to the physical structures, sights and monuments that have historical, cultural, architectural or social significance and are recognised for their value to society.
3. Cultural heritage: This includes artefacts, monuments, buildings and sites that have a diversity of value, covering locations that have symbolic, historic, artistic, aesthetic, ethnological, anthropological, scientific and social significance.
The plan includes a set of challenging strategic objectives which, when implemented, will enrich life across the Fermanagh and Omagh district. Since many club members have an active interest in local history and heritage, Mrs Brennan’s talk generated a lively question and answer session.