TRAVELLER GIRLS PUBLISH FIRST STORY COLLECTION LAUNCHED IN CITY LIBRARY
There was great excitement in Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford as a collection of stories written by girls from the Travelling community was launched by the WWETB Youth Affair’s Youth Development Officer, Joe Gough. The book, written when the girls were aged between 8 and 12, was published by Waterford Traveller Youth Project, funded by WWETB Waterford City Youth Affairs in Partnership with Waterford Area Partnership and Waterford Youth Arts.
PJ Brennan, Project Leader, Waterford Traveller Youth Support Project, said the book was about getting the girls to reflect and record on their lives in a tangible way and to use their imagination in writing their story. “It was a lot of hard work initially because it was a whole new project for the staff, young people and everyone involved. There was a lot of fun too with creative juices flowing…… We are all very proud of our young people,” he said.
Vanessa Bray, Youth Support Worker, Waterford Traveller Youth Support Project, who came up with the idea for the book, said the girls were originally undertaking a literacy programme, but in order to stimulate them further then they decided to compile a selection of stories for a book. “It really sparked their interest, she said. Eimear Cheasty, Creative Writing Tutor, carried out workshops with the girls. Joe Gough, Youth Development Officer, WWETB Youth Affairs said he was really impressed with the drawings and the stories written by the children. “I want PJ and Vanessa to encourage you to keep on writing stories and hopefully there will be more launches in the future….. as budding Waterford artists and writers, well done to you,” he said.
Phoebe Quilligan, aged 11, said her story centres on two characters called Vanessa and Gail. “They got kidnapped. They were tied together, back-to-back. Then a police car chased the van they were in. Vanessa and Gail returned home and they lived happily ever after.” Phoebe said it was fun writing the story, but it took a lot of concentration.
Charlene Ward, age 13, explained that her story was about a girl called Ellen who could tell the future. “A man came to her and wanted to know his future. She told him she was going to die soon and he got angry and lashed out. He kidnapped her mother and brother…. She woke up and it was all a dream,” she said. Ellen had a daughter 20 years later wo had the same dream. She was haunted by a woman called Bloody Mary. However, it turned out ok in the end. Charlene said the inspiration came from her imagination and watering horror films. “I love horror films. That is where I got my inspiration for Bloody Mary. I love writing stories and reading books as well,” she said. However, Charlene plans to become a singer in the future.
Brigid O’Reilly, aged 13 said she liked contributing to the book. “It’s really nice I am proud of myself. My story is about Mary….. She was so beautiful that a king came to marry her,” she said. Brigid loves fairy tales and writing stories.
The organisers also thanked Youthreach Subla Centre, Waterford where the Project is based, for their assistance.