23 September 2013
JOE MAHON MESSES ABOUT IN BOATS ON THE FOYLE
IN SEPTEMBER’S LESSER SPOTTED CULTURE
Joe gets a whole new perspective on the River Foyle, as he spends time, ‘messing about in
boats’, and wondering why more people in the city don’t take up sailing in Lesser Spotted
Culture, on Thursday 26 September at 9.00pm on UTV.
Derry~Londonderry has a long history as a port, and many reminders of that fact still remain
throughout the city.
Joe finds out why the Museum Service would like to find as many of these as possible, as
well as other items that reflect aspects of the history of the place. It plans to select 100
objects to tell the story of Derry~Londonderry, such as the beautiful ship made out of
whalebone by a French prisoner in 1798.
Another great way to find about the history of the City of Culture is to visit the graveyard at
the city’s oldest surviving ecclesiastical site, St Augustine’s on the Walls. This is a site which
has been in use at least since Columban times and is the last resting place of a host of
characters from the city’s past. Joe finds himself amazed at the information to be garnered
from gravestones – not just names and dates, but lineages and even wills.
St Augustine’s itself is no historic relic – as a parish church, it is a vibrant and lively place
whose parishioners have been extremely busy weaving stunning, intricate tapestries.
They’ve taken help from thousands of visitors too, as evidenced by the labels left on a tree
outside the church.
If you want to learn a little about the architecture of St Augustine’s Church – just ask some
local schoolchildren. Joe learns about the ‘Seeing’ project, aimed at teaching children about
the historic architecture all around them and the importance of preserving it.
He discovers he needs be on his toes as these kids know their classical from their gothic
arches - and some of them even have plans for turning an old factory into a luxury hotel for
celebrities!
As always, Joe will be meeting up with Sarah Travers to discuss the upcoming events next
month, including the prestigious Turner Prize competition, being held outside England for the
first time ever.
ends
Lesser Spotted Culture: Thursday 26 September at 9.00pm on UTV.
For further information please contact Felicity Templeton, UTV Communications on 9026
2129 / 07713 242412