Celebrations were held recently at the Gasyard Centre in Derry's Bogside to mark the awarding of almost 20 candidates with OCN level Two certificates in tourist guiding.

The cross-community training was delivered by the Gasyard Trust through its 'Our Journey to Peace' PEACEPLUS funded programme.

The ‘Our Journey to Peace’ project is being delivered by the Gasyard Development Trust with support from PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and is funded through Derry City & Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan under the ‘Celebrating Cultural Diversity’ Programme.

Programme manager and trainer Mickey Cooper said: "I am delighted that our candidates have now graduated after an intensive training programme which has seen the group develop a range of skills in script building, group management and the practical delivery of walking tours. The training will allow the candidates to move into employment within the tour guiding sector which is seeing more demand for accredited guides due to the huge increase in visitors coming to the city and district.

Mickey Cooper (left) with the new batch of PEACEPLUS tour guides.

placeholder image — Mickey Cooper (left) with the new batch of PEACEPLUS tour guides.

“As a cross-community programme, the training has also provided participants with an insight into historical events that have impacted on both communities from the 17th century to the present day.

“The training is just one element of the 'Our Journey to Peace' project which will next see the development of a new exhibition and film focussed on the memories of residents of both Bishop Street and the Fountain from the mid-20th century to the present day," Mr Cooper added.