McCausland pays tribute to Sam Hanna Bell

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland has unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sam Hanna Bell, local author and broadcaster.

Speaking at the unveiling of the plaque, Minister McCausland said: "We will all be familiar with what is arguably his most famous work, December Bride. This book, along with the 1991 film adaptation, brought Sam’s work to the attention of a world-wide audience.

"Many of Sam’s novels and short stories brought to life the Ulster-Scots language and culture to a variety of readers across Northern Ireland and around the world. They are an extremely valuable part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage.

"Sam was one of the first to recognise that grassroots local programming is needed to address the needs of local people. He collected and broadcast folklore and folk music from remote areas, and ensured its preservation for future generations.

"He recorded history on a personal and individual level, and his work reflects the challenges and triumphs of people living at that time. It is through his work that we are able to learn about folklore, history and experiences which might otherwise have been lost forever."

Minister McCausland is also attending the launch of the ‘A Man Flourishing’, exhibition at the Linenhall Library on Friday 16 October. As part of this event at the Linenhall Library, Paul Muldoon is launching Fergus Hanna Bell’s book ‘A Salute from the Banderol’. The Linenhall library has organised a series of events around the life and work of Sam Hanna Bell. Details are available on the library’s website at www.linenhall.com

Notes to Editors:

1. The plaque is situated at 2 Crescent Gardens, Belfast, where Sam Hanna Bell lived when he wrote what was arguably his most famous and highly regarded novel, December Bride.

2. 2009 marks the centenary of the birth of the local author and broadcaster. A committee has organised a series of commemorative events throughout 2009, including a tour of his play, That Woman at Rathard.

3. The Linen Hall Library will commemorate Sam Hanna Bell’s Centenary during October by holding events such as, lectures, a poetry recital, an exhibition and discussions on Hanna Bell’s legacy to Irish literature and arts.

3. Although he was born in Scotland, Sam spent most of his life in Belfast. As a broadcaster and a writer he fought to preserve and protect the unique culture, heritage and history of Northern Ireland.

4. Sam worked for BBC Northern Ireland Radio from 1945-1969 as a features producer, opening up a world of fast vanishing folklore and folk music to audiences across the country. His novels and articles captured a wide range of local topics, and gave an insight into all aspects of life in Northern Ireland throughout its eventful history. From customs and traditions, to the theatre, literature, politics and religion; and from life at the time of the plantation, to life working at Belfast’s shipyard.

5. December Bride, his most famous work, was first published in 1951, and was made into a film in 1991. His other novels included The Hollow Ball, A Man Flourishing, and Across the Narrow Sea.

6. Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9051 5047 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.