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Stories of Strangford Lough
A lasting collection of stories from Strangford Lough in County Down, told by the people who live and work there, is now available on a beautifully produced double CD, launched this week by the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP).
Former BBC Radio senior producer, Elizabeth Rice, was commissioned by Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership, to capture the essence of this very special place by recording local people and places, telling the stories of their lives, their families and the wildlife and landscapes that are so special to them.
The joy of carpets of coastal wildflowers at Killard Point, growing up in a castle at Killyleagh or on an island off Greyabbey, underwater wildlife experiences and a lifetime on the ferry – the tales from more than 25 people from all walks of life are told with passion and humour. Hear about the ‘Butterfly Fleet’ of brightly painted little boats that transported seaweed; the rocks that have been squeezed and changed over millennia to shape our landscape; and why tens of thousands of Brent geese come here every winter.
Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Committee Chairperson Isabel Hood said, “The people who live and work on and around Strangford Lough are as diverse and as interesting as its wildlife. The stories they tell are fascinating. These CDs are packed full of interesting information that gives a real insight to this area’s history, culture, landscape and wildlife. Thank you to everyone who contributed.”
‘Stories from Strangford Lough’ was made possible through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as part of work to give people an outlet for their knowledge and understanding of their heritage and also to make it more accessible to the wider public.
HLF’s Northern Ireland Committee Chairperson Anna Carragher commented, “We are delighted to see the launch of this collection of stories on CD and online. Stories and memories are a vital part of our heritage and these recordings will give people easy access to explore all the rich local stories of Strangford Lough. The recordings are an important resource now and for future generations. I’d like to thank the players of the National Lottery who allow us to support projects like this.”
Ards and North Down Borough Council Mayor, Robert Adair said, “Thank you to all those who have contributed to producing the CD and thank you to those that had come along to make the launch held in Greyabbey a great success.”
The attractively packaged ‘Stories from Strangford Lough’ double CD contains over two hours of recorded material and is available from Post Offices in Strangford, Killinchy, Portaferry, Comber and Downpatrick and NewtownardsVisitor Information Centres,priced at £3.75 to cover the cost of distribution. It will make a great Christmas present for cosy fireside listening or to shorten those winter car journeys.
The recordings may also be accessed online on Strangford Lough and Lecale’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/TheSLLP
CD 1: https://youtu.be/sb4hpEnv_4o
CD 2:https://youtu.be/AwkeJ4dXc6Q
The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership is supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
