Rock Star To Visit Strangford Lough and Lecale

“Perhaps your grandfather had quirky names for certain places, or you know a great story about why the hill over yonder was called after your great, great granny! Each of us has our own unique sense of place and that knowledge is very valuable to us and to the community as a whole.  In particular, the stories we glean will help us to create a special new Geology Trail map which we will launch in the summer.” [caption id="attachment_20528" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Ready to Rock. Elaine Bingham of Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership with Dr Patrick Mc Keever, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland. (Picture by Phil Smyth)"][/caption] Dr Patrick McKeever is encouraging all locals who love where they live and have stories to tell to come and participate in the workshops. He said,  “We promise a really enjoyable evening out and it’s a great way to share and discuss your local knowledge with like-minded people. I will also cover topics such as how and why our land is shaped as it is, why we use it in the way we do and how our geological legacy has directly influenced our culture and lives throughout the ages. “Most people don’t realise just how often geology creeps into our daily lives, through place names, building, work and even the stories we tell. “The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership workshops will also help open your eyes to the unique geological riches right on your own doorstep. For example, did you know that the massive rock seen on Strangford Lough’s shore near Greyabbey was unceremoniously dropped there by the last glacier? “You’ll soon discover that you have been walking or driving past 400 million year old geological gems without even realising! I’m hoping too that those attending will entertain and enlighten us with their fascinating yarns from around Strangford and Lecale.” The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Geology Workshops roll into four different local venues during March 2011.”      · Barholm, Portaferry, Tuesday 1st March at 8pm Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards, Thursday 3rd March at 8pm Killough Community Centre, Wednesday 9th March at 8pm Downpatrick Museum, Thursday 10th March at 8pm. “As well as sharing yarns over tea and there will also be the chance to enjoy the best of the entries from the Strangford Lough & Lecale Partnership’s recent ‘Rock & Roll’ photographic competition.” For further information contact: Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership, 1 The Square  Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LW. Telephone: 028 4272 8886 www.strangfordlough.org]]>