Award winning Tullycarnet Yarnspinners launch new programme

Tuesday 10 September saw the launch of the 2002-2003 programme of award winning local storytelling group Tullycarnet Yarnspinners. Joy Campbell, chairperson of the Library and Information Committee of South Eastern Education and Library Board, introduced the programme in Tullycarnet Library.

The coming year looks set to become one of the most exciting, entertaining and diverse in the group’s history with many big-name storytellers in the line-up. The Armagh Rhymers (20 February 2003), Willie Drennan (15 May 2003) and members of the Percy French Society (12 December 2002) cover the broad landscape of Ulster folklife and traditions, while on 7 November 2002 the Yarnspinners welcome the Artfrique Movement, whose repertoire of stories and dance is taken from various traditions around the world. Tura Arutura, one of the leading exponents of the movement, will feature stories from Zimbabwe and Venezuela in his performance. In January 2003 (16th) the guest is Dovie Thomason Sickles from Maryland, USA who draws her inspiration from old Indian stories she heard from her Native American relatives.

Born on St Valentine’s Day 1991, Tullycarnet Yarnspinners have enthralled lovers of a fine tale for the past ten years. Running between September and May each year, the group meets on the third Thursday of every month in the library. Library staff were instrumental in getting the Yarnspinners up and running, fulfilling one of the SEELB library service’s foremost aims of encouraging the public to see the library as a prominent cultural and arts facility; Tullycarnet Library continues to flourish as a venue for arts events and a catalyst for cultural expression. The Yarnspinners have received support and sponsorship from Castlereagh Borough Council, Castlereagh Arts Forum and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Recently the Yarnspinners’ contribution to the cultural life of the community was recognised when it received first prize in the small organisation category in Diversity 21’s cultural diversity awards, with an individual award going to Peg Armstrong, who, along with her late husband Jim, founded the group in 1991.

New members are always welcome. Anyone interested should contact library staff on  9048 5079