On Tuesday 14 March (7.30pm to 9pm) we were delighted to be part of poetry and song evening themed around the book, Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs, compiled by Paul Carville and Norah McCorry, whose publication was sponsored through the Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme.  Over 40 people attended the event at Bellville Presbyterian Church, which included readings from the book from descendants whose work features in it.

The book brings together a selection of a poems and songs written by local people over the course of 100 years between the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. These hard-working people put pen to paper and eloquently conveyed what was going on in their lives and the local area, providing us with an invaluable social history of the time. In addition to the poetry and songs, the book also includes local history information and is beautifully illustrated with an array of historic and new photographs.

Find out more about the book at the ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ Facebook page .

Images below taken by Donagh McKeown.