Libraries NI is delighted to announce the launch of a book, 'Cregagh', by Aidan Campbell, who will visit Cregagh Library for a local history talk on Thursday 8th December at 6.30pm.

Aidan Campbell will take a walk through yesteryear illustrating his talk with a large selection of old photographs. 

Aidan Campbell’s 6th local history book ‘Cregagh’ was published on 21st October 2011 at Hillmount Nursery Centre (Gilnahirk) with the Mayor of Castlereagh, Mr Jim White officially launching the book.

This illustrated and spoken history of Cregagh, recalls the area through old photographs and memories from some of the people who lived there. The book is a companion to the best-selling books Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk and Castlereagh also by Aidan Campbell. 

Cregagh recalls the story of how once rural surroundings have developed into an urban environment. The story takes the form of a journey and looks at the way things used to be and recalls the development of housing, roads, shops, schools, churches, sports clubs as well as a mention of some people who were quite well known in the public eye. 

The journey starts at the River Lagan at Albert Bridge and goes along Albertbridge Road, Woodstock Road, Cregagh Road to Bell’s Bridge, then past the Cregagh Estate and ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ to Cregagh Village, Hillfoot, Glenburn and Lisnabreeny.

Previous books by Aidan include: ‘Beaconsfield’, ‘Knock’, ‘Cherryvalley’, ‘Gilnahirk’ and ‘Castlereagh’.

The proceeds from all 6 of Aidan’s previous local history books have been donated to the Marie Curie Hospice, Kensington Road.

Future publications in this series of East Belfast histories will include ‘Stormont’, ‘Belmont’ and another look at the greater Knock area entitled ‘Knock Revisited’.

Aidan Campbell lives locally and continues to be a volunteer at the Marie Curie Hospice on a regular basis. He is also available to give talks with slideshow to local groups.

Admission is free to this local history talk on Thursday 8th December, from 6.30pm – 7.30pm, but booking is advisable. Copies of the book Cregagh, plus Aidan’s previous books, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk and Castlereagh, will be available to purchase and all the proceeds will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

For further information, you can contact Cregagh Library (409-413 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 0LF), on telephone number: 028 9040 1365 or by email to cregagh.library@librariesni.org.uk 

For details of all events being held in Northern Ireland libraries, visit www.librariesni.org.uk