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Have you been berry curious about the fate of Fruitfield Jam Factory?

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Have you been berry curious about the fate of Fruitfield Jam Factory?

It might be nice to see it preserved...

Jun 2, 2023
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Have you been berry curious about the fate of Fruitfield Jam Factory?

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For all you newbie subscribers welcome to the Armagh I newsletter. Great to have you here! This newsletter will land in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday morning and is a different read than our normal content. Help us connect with others by sharing this edition.

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It sits on the main Portadown to Armagh road and many pass it without even a glance. Whether or not you’ve looked closely at the building of late, you will no doubt be familiar with it’s vertical edifice – the red brick chimney which still towers the skyline; yes, the former Fruitfield Jam Factory.

The building itself has recently been exposed to road view due to groundworks on the site of what was once a family owned business and a leading employer in the area. But what’s occurring?

Diggers have been spotted over the last number of months and the grounds around the beloved jam factory now appear to be in-waiting for the next phase. Wouldn’t it be jammy if it reopened?

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Fruitfield Jam Factory as of May 30, 2023. Photo credit: Armagh I

It’s a sad thought to imagine the sun setting for a final time on the former factory. Its rays now permeate the skeleton of a building once packed with life; a sweet place that churned out delicious, sticky spreads that were loved by all.

We doubt there was a home across Armagh that didn’t have a ‘Fruitfield Preserve’ tucked away in a corner cabinet. Maybe you have an old jar lovingly concealed as a reminder of times gone by?

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Did you know anyone who worked in the old factory? Or do you have any interesting stories of its past? We’d love to hear them. Why not get in touch at news@armaghi.com


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An Armagh man has settled his disability discrimination case against his former employer Home Bargains for £25,000

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Man (28) charged after pharmacist assaulted in Armagh store


Reader giveaway

Win a portable 'Outback' BBQ with Killeen Hardware!

All this warm weather has everyone ready for a BBQ! That's why Armagh I has teamed up with Killeen Hardware to give away a Outback U-BBQ. This ingenious aid to outdoor leisure includes a gas grill, griddle plate, pan holder, vapour bar and removable grease collection tray, with lightweight plastic transport case.

ENTER HERE


Look back

77 years ago, The Newry Reporter reported that, on June 5, 1946 the Armagh Agricultural Society Show would proceed for its 42 year.

Held at Shamrock Park, Portadown in the year post-dating the end of World War II, the event showcased demonstrations and competitions that we still know and love today.

The article stated: “Though conditions naturally prevent the show’s taking such comprehensive form as in pre-war days the principal features are retained with varied classes for horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry.”

One of the most anticipated events was the ever-popular dog show with 70 classes to be conducted under Kennel Club rules.

Whilst it was no doubt a trying year for organisers, the article states that: “The efforts of the organising committee have been rewarded with excellent entries in all sections”.

Employees at Fruitfield Jam Factory in 1967, taken by Ernest Scott, supplied courtesy of Armagh County Museum.

Ticket giveaway

You all love a good night at the cinema by the looks of it. Every week we have hundreds of entries - but there can only be one winner. This week Gregory Murray you are the lucky winner of a pair of tickets. Contact us on 02837443043 to arrange collection.

This competition is ran in conjunction with Omniplex Cinemas and has no cash alternative. Tickets must be collected from our office on Barrack Street, Armagh. Tickets must be collected within 14 days

Family announcements

As many readers will know Armagh I cover the funeral notices from across Co. Armagh, greater parts of Co. Down as well as our bordering Co. Tyrone towns. You can also place a lasting memoriam notice with us - and you can do it very easily here

Place a memoriam notice


Past issues

250 years young - doesn't The Mall look great for its age!

Armagh I
·
May 30
250 years young - doesn't The Mall look great for its age!

As the warm weather approaches, people all around the county are getting excited for a chance to soak up some sun and enjoy the great outdoors. The sun was shining brighter than a disco ball at a rave - ok there were some clouds for all you realists out there!

Read full story

Bring Humpy the Camel back to city centre spot!

A night at the flicks... a bygone era in Armagh

Armagh: Time to reinvent the city centre experience?

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Have you been berry curious about the fate of Fruitfield Jam Factory?

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Have you been berry curious about the fate of Fruitfield Jam Factory?

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David Henderson
Jun 2Liked by Armagh I

Armagh City Council and preservation society should really have purchased this building and land and developed the structure for the community of Richhill. This particular building is close on 200 years old, it provided work for the local community for nearly 150 years. There's plenty of land in the area to put homes. Quite incredible how a building that goes back to the 1830s, can be left to rot. This is what happens when the wrong people are left in charge of infrastructure and preservation within Ulster. You can always build more homes anywhere in Richhill and Portadown. Absolutely amazing anything is permitted to be built here other than preserving what was here.

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Harty Ervine
Writes Harty’s Substack
Jun 2Liked by Armagh I

Last time passing and looked up they were building a housing estate . Your photograph would seem to indicate they were demolishing the last of the factory. The chimney will no doubt go as no one will want to do regular maintenance..

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