Rams Island Interpretive Centre
Volunteers and Visitors in the Barge JK16 Sandmartin
The barge has proved very popular with visitors (young and old) and a pleasant surprise particularly on a wet day.
Interpretive Facilities
Rams Island and the Lough Neagh wetlands have a lot
to offer the visitor in terms of natural and built history.
It was originally
thought to build an interpretive centre on the Island to educate
visitors but following discussions with E.H.S.(now N.I.E.A.), our own
research and because of possible environmental impacts and prohibitive
costs it was decided to use a floating facility aboard a barge moored at
the Island.
The barge is used as a
Gateway for visitors to the Island not only in the symbolic sense but
groups of visitors are usually treated to hot drinks aboard the barge as
they learn about the environment of Rams Island. The barge is the
recommended first port of call for visitors to learn about the various
interests the Island has to offer the visitor and also to advise
visitors about any negative impacts they could inadvertently cause to
the Island whilst visiting. The barge also has a disabled access toilet.
The barge serves as a wet weather shelter for visitors waiting to board
the ferry. It is also used as a workshop for special interest groups
(Fungus/Bat/Birding groups etc). Volunteers The barge is now the
cornerstone for volunteers who come to Island to work at the
various environmental restoration projects that are planned/in progress
(native tree planting, path restoration, habitat creation, invasive
species management etc.)
Up to thirty volunteers have dined aboard the
barge thanks to the volunteers who staff the galley.
The Barge JK16
Sandmartin History
Built in Belfast
by Harland & Wolff in 1955 for John Kelly (Coal)
The barge (JK16) an ex John Kelly coal barge was originally used to transport imported coal along the Lagan from the Belfast Coal Quays to the Power Stations and to the Gas Works in Belfast. The coal all imported by John Kellys fleet of coal boats was transhipped directly into the fleet of dumb barges waiting at the Coal Quays. They then were towed 6 at a time up the Lagan to the Blackstaff River which had been canalised to Cromac Quay for discharge into the Belfast Gasworks.
John Kelly Tug and Barges from Rams Island on Vimeo.
John Kelly Tug and Barges from Rams Island on Vimeo.
Clips taken circa1960 from around Albert Bridge
Many thanks to Joe Graham for the above video clip and W.A. McCutcheon for the pictures below. Note the Circus is in Ormeau Park across the Lagan
J.K. 16 dumb barge
O.N. 185561. 53 grt/nrt. 65.2 x 14.6 x 6.2 feet.
1955: Built by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast, for John Kelly Ltd, Belfast.
1955: 1st registered at Belfast.
1968: Sold to J. N. Emerson & Sons, Ardmore, Lurgan.
1992: Still on British register.
JK16 was subsequently sold to the sand trade on Lough Neagh and was last used by Readymix at Toome Bay. Replaced by larger barges JK 16 was donated to the Rams Island Heritage Project by Readymix in 2004.
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