The last two weekends in May brought 11 storytelling enthusiasts together to get an insight into the ‘tricks of the trade’ with the help of professional Storytellers, Eamonn Keenan ‘Stories of Wonder and Learning‘ and Steve Lally, author of ‘Down Folk Tales”.
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” Storytellers Eamon Keenan and Steve Lally[/caption]
Camilla Fitzpatrick, Manager of the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership, said: “The participants unexpectedly got much more than they bargained for – new friendships were kindled, trust and respect were earned and the stories shared touched emotions that will stay in memories for a long time.
The Storytellers said they were ‘honored and privileged’ to be involved and reported that all participants gained from the support of each other, developing skills and confidence as the sessions progressed.
“The group shared valuable stories about their own lives and about living in Mourne. The enthusiasm was infectious and one comment from a participant says it all…’It was the bringing together of the people with their stories that made this course – keep it going please!’ ”
The training finished with a few more yarns, a bit of craic and superb musical support from Ray Dunne, who teams up with Steve as The Quiet Men.
Oral History and Storytelling is just one of many exciting projects being organised by the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership Programme (MMLP), which is funded primarily by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Camilla added: “The project will continue in the autumn and aims to both reawaken an interest in storytelling and in the collection and gathering of oral history.
“There are many valuable, untapped stories within the Mourne area and the programme hopes to enthuse local people to keep this traditional art alive. If you are interested in future training opportunities or in storytelling events, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Further details can be obtained by contacting Alwynne on 028 437 67391 or email alwynne.shannon@mourne.co.uk
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St Louis Students Help To Design The Mourne Big Weave Tapestries
An enthusiastic group of Year 10 students recently took part in a workshop to help design four tapestries that will take their inspiration from the unique and varied Mourne landscape. Local artist Martin McParland, was on hand to explain the background to the Mourne Big Weave and to offer useful advice to the students on how to refine their designs.
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Year 10 students are pictured with their design ideas for the Mourne Big Weave tapestries. Included in the picture are: Mrs Deirdre Keary (Head of Art), Martin McParland (local artist) and Camilla Fitzpatrick (Landscape Partnership Scheme Manager).[/caption]
This is just the initial stage of a project that will draw to a close during the first week of September, when students will get the chance to do some actual weaving on the tapestries and see their designs come to life. Other local schools that are participating in the project are Kilkeel High School, Shimna Integrated College and St Malachy’s High School.
Camilla Fitzpatrick, manager of the Mourne Mountain Landscape Partnership (MMLP) Programme, said: “The Mourne Big Weave is just one of many exciting projects being organised by the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership Programme (MMLP), which is funded primarily by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“Community participation is key to the success of this project and the looms will be moving around the Mourne area in late August, allowing communities a chance to try their hand at weaving and contribute towards these unique tapestries.
“Details of dates and venues will be publicised closer to the time. The finished tapestries, which will belong to the people of Mourne, will be displayed in community/public venues across the area.”
For further information on the Landscape Partnership Programme, please check out:
www.mournelive.com or: www.Facebook.com/Mournelive]]>
