Published: 20th DECEMBER 2022

Volunteers transform milepost with teenager's winning design

A Millennium Milepost along Armagh’s Callan River has been given a facelift, thanks to the creativity of a local teenager and the efforts of volunteers.

A teenage boy stands beside a brightly painted Millennium Milepost alongside a river.

Sean Toner, a junior member of Friends of Callan River, won a competition to come up with a new design for the Millennium Milepost along National Cycle Network Route 91.

When we suggested that the Friends of the Callan River run a competition to select a new design for their local Millennium Milepost, the group responded enthusiastically.

The milepost which can be found on National Cycle Network Route 91, was in much need of a fresh coat of paint.

The winning design for the milepost's paintwork came from Sean Toner, a junior member of the group who helps at the allotment site.

 

Teamwork delivers much admired makeover

A team of our volunteers recently undertook the work to transform the 22-year-old milepost in keeping with Sean’s vision.

Rachael Ludlow-Williams, Sustrans Volunteer Development Coordinator said:

“Credit to Sean for coming up with such a vibrant, colourful design which will be enjoyed and admired by all who use the National Cycle Network path along the Callan River.”

 

Artwork brightens up popular path for walkers

Rachael went on to add:

“It’s been fantastic to see the response from residents to the milepost makeover.

“We hope to paint the River Folly milepost with a local design in the spring.”

Many local people regularly walk along the Callan River path which has now been enhanced by the artwork.

A local said:

“My wife and I walk here once a week and it’s so much brighter now to walk past.”

Blockquote quotation marks
It's been fantastic to see the response to the milepost makeover. Blockquote quotation marks
Rachael Ludlow-Williams, Sustrans Volunteer Development Coordinator

A celebration of freedom and diversity

Millennium Mileposts are cast iron sculptures that help people navigate the National Cycle Network.

Prior to the year 2000, we commissioned four artists from the four countries of the UK to design these artworks.

The four resulting designs can be found in both rural and urban locations on routes across the UK.

Mileposts are a celebration of the freedom and diversity of the National Cycle Network.

They can be found at scenic spots on the Network, such as Armagh’s Callan and Folly Rivers.

Share this page

Read more news from Northern Ireland