Father’s retirement gift transforms Mountfern as Northern Trust’s Coleraine centre celebrates 50 years
Warren Smyth, Helen Lowry, Lowry Construction, Michael Bacon, Mountfern Adult Centre; Paul Davison, NI Water, Barbara Smyth and Henry Smyth pictured at the recent 50th anniversary celebrations for Mountfern where a new outdoor facility was officially unveiled.
Monday 05 October 2026
A father who chose to give something back rather than receive a traditional retirement present has helped transform an outdoor space at Mountfern Adult Centre in Coleraine, as the service celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The new garden area, featuring seating, a barbecue, pizza oven and a specially designed accessible swing, will give adults with learning disabilities more opportunities to spend time outdoors, socialise and enjoy activities together.
A retirement gift with a difference
The project was inspired by Warren Smyth, whose son Henry attends Mountfern. Warren recently retired after a career as an engineer with NI Water and was asked by colleagues what he would like as a leaving present.
Instead of choosing something for himself, he decided he wanted to leave a lasting gift for the centre which had supported his son and family.
Working with former colleagues, contractors and local firms, Warren helped bring together the skills, materials and funding needed to turn an underused part of Mountfern’s grounds into a welcoming social space.
Support came from his former colleagues at NI Water, Lowry Construction and a number of local businesses.
Mountfern Manager Michael Bacon likened the transformation to the challenges seen on television’s DIY SOS.
He said:
“Warren approached us with the idea of creating something special for Mountfern as part of his retirement and, to be honest, my initial thought was ‘how are we going to do all that.
“Thanks to Warren, his former colleagues and the businesses who supported the project, the area has been completely transformed. The work included landscaping and tarmacking, outdoor furniture, a barbecue, pizza oven and an accessible swing for people with mobility difficulties.
“It provides our service users with many more opportunities to spend time outdoors, socialise and take part in activities, particularly during the better weather. The whole area is more welcoming and has enhanced our garden space enormously.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved, not only for their generosity, but also for the time and effort they dedicated to making this happen.”
Fifty years of supporting local adults
The transformation comes during a landmark year for Mountfern, which is celebrating 50 years of supporting adults with learning disabilities across the Coleraine area.
The centre has grown considerably during that time, from supporting around 20 people in its early years to more than 70 service users attending each day.
Michael added:
“Mountfern has grown significantly over the past 50 years, from a small centre supporting around 20 people to the service we have today, with more than 70 service users attending on a daily basis. Having this enhanced outdoor space is a wonderful way to mark our anniversary year and will benefit service users for many years to come.”
A chance to give something back
For Warren, the project has an especially personal meaning. His son Henry’s experience at Mountfern convinced him that his retirement could be used to do something lasting for the people who attend the centre.
He said:
“When I retired, my colleagues wanted to give me a leaving present. I didn’t really need anything to be honest, so we came up with the idea of doing something for Mountfern instead. My son Henry comes here and we have seen first-hand the difference the centre has made to his life.
“When Henry turned 18, we weren’t sure what would happen for him. But after starting here we have watched him grow and develop into a confident young man. The support he has received has been fantastic.
“This project was a chance to give something back. The new outdoor area gives service users somewhere to relax, socialise and enjoy activities together. Whether it’s using the barbecue, the pizza oven or simply spending time outside, it’s a space that everyone can benefit from.
“Seeing the finished result and the enjoyment it will bring makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Half a century after Mountfern first began supporting local adults, the transformed garden gives its service users a new space to enjoy today while creating a lasting legacy from a family whose own experience of the centre inspired them to give something back.
