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The Glens through a LensTuesday, Dec 16 2008 Following the recent Picture This! Schools photography competition in the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust launched ‘The Glens through a Lens’ on Tuesday 16th December in the Braid Museum, Ballymena. The book was produced and launched to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the designation of the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 2008 also celebrated the launch of the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB Management Plan
Speaking at the event, local MLA, Declan O’Loan said “‘The Glens through a Lens’ is a superb illustration of the photographs taken by primary school children in or on the outskirts of the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It highlights the beauty of the area and the importance of protecting this outstanding region. The Antrim Coast and Glens AONB is one of nine Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland and it is important that we promote the area in July 2009 when the National Association of AONBs hosts its annual conference in the Coleraine campus of the University of Ulster.” Other speakers at the event included local author, Alan Turner; NI Environment Agency’s Director of Natural Heritage, Graham Seymour; local artist and vice-chairman of the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB Management Group, Joe McFadden and Ald Harry Connolly, Chairman of the management group.
 ‘The Glens through a Lens’ contains more than fifty photographs which were taken in various sites in the area including, Cushendun, Glenarm, Carnlough, Glenariff and Ballycastle. The images represent and highlight the natural, cultural and built heritage of the area. Joe McFadden said “The advantage of photography over a drawing or painting competition is that it eliminates the “I can’t draw!” belief that inhibits some children. The children produced a wide range of creative images which collectively make a very interesting visual record of the area.”  Commenting on the book and competition, Alan Turner said “Picture This! is a fine way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the designation of the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB and it is fitting that the upcoming generation should be the contributors.”
The book will be available throughout Tourist Information Centres in the area. To purchase a copy contact Carole at the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust (028) 20752100, 18 Main Street, Armoy, BT53 8RQ or email at carole@ccght.org |
