One of Belfast`s best loved open spaces, Cave Hill, is the subject of the latest book by local naturalist, Dr Ben Simon, which is being launched this Thursday.
Ben has taken a number of years to capture the memories of people who know Carr`s Glen, Belfast Castle Estate and Bellevue, the areas that make up the famous hill overlooking the city.
Voices from Cavehill is being launched at Belfast Castle at 2pm on Thursday afternoon.
Ben said: “It has been very enjoyable meeting people who have memories of Cave Hill and recording all their fascinating stories. Each tells something new and unexpected and together they bring to life the history of landmarks like Belfast Castle, the Zoo and Floral Hall as well as some less well known and half-forgotten places.
“For example, there are tales of going to dances called hops at Belfast Castle in the 1930s and the secret work of the Admiralty who took over the castle during the Second World War is told by another of the contributors, a wren based there in the 1940s. She describes monitoring the movement of boats like the Queen Mary and every convoy going to America.
“Then there were stories about the little community of cottages above Carrs Glen with the wonderful names of Daddystown and Mammystown and memories of the gamekeeper, Old Da Armstrong, who lived with his family in a cottage on Cavehill right up until the 1950s.”
Copies of the book, which has been supported by Belfast City Council, can be bought for £8.50.
More information can be obtained by contacting Ben on 07788 146588 or by emailing drben.simon@googlemail.com.
