'Voices of Cavehill' To Be Heard

One of Belfast's best-loved open spaces, the Cavehill, is the subject of the latest book by local naturalist, Dr Ben Simon, which was launched this week.

This project has taken a number of years to capture the memories of people who know Carr's Glen, Belfast Castle Estate and Bellevue, areas that make up the hill, (pictured here by Brian McCalden) which overlooks the city.

'Voices from Cavehill' was launched at Belfast Castle on Thursday afternoon with the author, noting: "It has been very enjoyable meeting people who have memories of Cave Hill and recording all their fascinating stories.

"Each story tells something new and unexpected and together they bring to life the history of landmarks like Belfast Castle, the zoo and Floral Hall as well as some less well known and half-forgotten places."

He said that, for example, there are tales of going to dances in the 1930s and event the secret work of Admiralty, who took over Belfast Castle during the Second World War.

"These are told by another of the contributors, a Naval Wren based there in the 1940s.

"She describes monitoring the movement of boats like the Queen Mary and every convoy going to America," said the author.

"Then there were stories about the little community of cottages above Carr's Glen with the wonderful names of Daddystown and Mammystown and memories of the gamekeeper, old Da Armstrong, who lived with his family in a cottage in the woods on Cave Hill right up until the 1950s."

Copies of the book, which has been supported by Belfast City Council, are available from Belfast bookshops for £8.50.

(BMcC/GK)