IRISH CONTRIBUTION PROJECT
One of the key themes of the Irish Network Stevenage is to “Preserve the Heritage of Irish History in Stevenage” and we are very excited that following many years of hard work the Irish Contribution Project came to fruition. Stevenage based charity, Positive Strides delivered the Irish Contribution (IC) project. If you would like further details of the project or would like us to show the documentary at any event please do contact us.
Initially, Positive Strides, was run by award winning film writer and producer Mark Straker, who met with the Irish Network committee and local Irish residents and planned the structure and delivery of a range of activities, workshops, books and films that highlighted the Irish contribution to the growth and success of Stevenage. Mark met many Stevenage residents with Irish connections and listened to their stories. It was a fantastic opportunity for people to be part of the Irish legacy and have their contribution recorded.
Irish Network Stevenage
When the Trustees look back over the past few years, one of the most amazing and important projects we undertook was the Irish Contribution Project. To have the contribution the Irish Community made to Stevenage recorded and documented for future generations is something we are particularly proud of.
Following hours of interviews and research a book called ‘From the Emerald Isle to the Green Belt of Stevenage’ was published and a documentary entitled ‘Journey to the Fields of Gold’ was created. CDs and an Irish Recipe Book were also produced.
All these resources were given to local schools and colleges as an education tool and in addition to this, copies were given to the Embassy, Federation of Irish Societies, the Heritage Lottery Fund, local libraries and museums and Stevenage and Hertfordshire councils.
The documentary was shown in July 2013 and then again in August on Sky Community Channel, Virgin TV and Freeview. It was showcased at North Herts College, Monkswood Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LA in April 2013 prior to it being shown on national television.
The documentary showed everyone the important part that those early Irish Pioneers played in the success of not just Stevenage but many, many towns throughout England.
The book can be purchased either through us or through Amazon.
The documentary can be purchased through us. For further details, please contact Elaine Connolly on 01438 725400.
Many years ago when we first decided that they wanted to record the contribution that the Irish Community made to the building and the success of Stevenage, no one could have envisaged the amazing stories and memories that would be uncovered, stories that without this project would be lost forever. The Irish Pioneers that came to Stevenage in the 1950s and 60s spoke of their dreams and aspirations and of the sacrifices that had to be made.
The project will be displayed at Stevenage Museum and for further details please contact INS on 01438 725400.