{"id":48268,"date":"2026-10-06T16:28:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T15:28:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=48268"},"modified":"2026-10-06T16:28:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T15:28:30","slug":"heritage-networks-chair-alice-ullathorne-ihbc-marks-success-of-first-year-in-post-at-networks-2026-ni-belfast-conference-with-ihbc-as-exhibitors-members","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=48268","title":{"rendered":"Heritage Network\u2019s Chair Alice Ullathorne IHBC marks success of first year in post at Network\u2019s 2026 NI Belfast conference, with IHBC as exhibitors & members"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

image: Alina Holyst<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IHBC hosted a stall at the recent sell-out Heritage Network Conference 2026 in Northern Ireland, and was delighted to share congratulations and celebrations with Alice Ullathorne IHBC as she marked her first year as Chair of the Network at a conference that reached from Belfast to Armagh (and beyond)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Alice said: \u2018It\u2019s been a great year for the network delivering the Essential Network project supported by National Lottery Heritage fund and consolidating the growth of the Heritage Network in recent years.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018I was so proud to be able to chair the Heritage Network conference this year which was as ever a place for inspiration, learning and sharing heritage challenges\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IHBC Director Se\u00e1n O\u2019Reilly helped on the stand with IHBC\u2019s new Northern Ireland Branch Chair Alina Holyst, and Branch Vice Chair Joanne Curren (former Branch Chair) and architecture student Lauren Forte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Se\u00e1n O\u2019Reilly said: \u2018I\u2019d like to thank the IHBC\u2019s volunteers, networks and staff \u2013 including our own Sarah Homer who could not attend \u2013 that made this such a successful event for the Institute, and particularly also the Heritage Network staff and officers.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018The event itself was also distinguished by the usual variety of talks, walks and events including, this year, Mexican Dancers!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Our stand seemed as busy as the whole conference at times, while the only IHBC material to survive the enthusiastic and engaged delegates there was what we had to keep for our Branch!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018We also had a hugely useful time networking with and learning from delegates and exhibitors, this year our own first there as formal Network members too.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Indeed two big service opportunities with other exhibitors are now being explored by us following early discussions there, alongside more partnerships around the critical issue of early and foundation skills development.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018All in all, it was an outstanding success!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more background at<\/p>\n\n\n\n