Tales and Turnips initiative brings seasonal magic to seven local districts

Young and old from across the Derry and Strabane District Council area are coming together this autumn to celebrate local folklore, creativity and seasonal traditions as part of the Tales and Turnips project.

Delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with local communities and supported through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP), the initiative is bringing communities together to revive and share traditional autumn customs and crafts that have been passed down through generations. ACNI’s Rural Engagement Arts Programme aims to support communities to address rural isolation and loneliness, promote social inclusion and access to arts provision.

Gavin O’Connor, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “Arts Council is pleased to support Tales & Turnips through our National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme. This is a fantastic example of a project helping to address isolation and loneliness in rural areas by creating opportunities for people to come together and take part in high-quality arts activities, and supporting our strategy to get more people from all backgrounds to enjoy arts experiences.”

Communities in Park, Donemana, Plumbridge, Newtownstewart, Castlederg, Aghyaran and Glebe Sion Mills are among those taking part and its an opportunity for them to gather in village halls and community spaces to swap stories, carve turnips, build scarecrows and learn traditional harvest dances. Others have been trying their hand at willow lantern making, weaving and woodcarving, with residents of all ages embracing the opportunity to learn new skills, meet neighbours and keep local customs alive.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais welcoming the Tales and Turnips programme and the Arts Council’s support, said the project shone a light on the culture, creativity and traditions that run deep throughout our district.

She said: “It's inspiring to see communities keeping these traditions alive while creating new opportunities for connection and friendship. It is a fantastic example of how arts and culture can strengthen community connections, reduce isolation and showcase the warm welcome for which our rural communities are renowned. It is great to see how the Halloween and Samhain traditions are woven into the fabric of rural communities right across our district. Well done to all the artists and communities engaged in this programme.”

Artist Shiela Byrne has been working with Learmount Community Development Group, Park Arts & Crafts Group (PAC) and Park Men’s Shed on a programme of activities and creations that will enhance and illuminate this year’s Learmount Forest Spooky Trail taking place 29-31 October from 4.00pm - 7.30pm. and visitors are advised to bring a torch along with them to head out in to the forest.

She said: “We have enjoyed some wonderful workshops sharing stories while creating willow lanterns and making scarecrows together. It has been great fun and has provided a real opportunity for people to connect.

“We have used locally sourced willow, straw and second-hand clothes so it has been zero waste and environmentally sustainable too! Halloween traditions remain alive and well in Park Village! Our spooky trail in the forest offers a quieter alternative to some of the big Halloween events and one that is rooted in tradition and community. Through the Tours and Trails programme we’re delighted to be helping create an atmospheric seasonal space to welcome locals and visitors of all ages”.

Craftsman Gavin Campbell has been leading wood turning workshops in Sion Mills, Donnemana and Newtownstewart and he too is delighted to be involved. He said: “It’s great to see such a big interest in learning traditional skills, the classes are bringing together people of all ages and abilities. The enthusiasm, creativity and craic has been great! It’s so important and appreciated to have support from Arts Council NI through initiatives such as the REAP programme and people are keen for more”.

For more information on the Tales and Turnips programme please contact Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Arts and Culture section at [email protected]