I’m very busy working on The Hands of Sligo project, you can read the introduction to the project here, but I wanted to tell you more about the progress so far. I have met so many wonderful people from all over Sligo and from all walks of life. Some people moved to Sligo from other countries and counties, some were born here and have lived here all their lives and some people left to travel and work overseas before returning home.
It’s been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, which I probably wasn’t expecting. Each person I have visited had a story to tell, some were incredibly moving and it was very hard for me to keep my feelings together.
Even the journeys to and from the volunteers were special. Long winding roads, highways and byways lined with wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes and mountains. I’m blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
Opening gates and walking up pathways, seeing the people illuminated in their window as they sit and wait. Some reading the paper, some doing a crossword, some just sitting and waiting. Clocks ticking, kettles boiling, the sound of a radio in another room.
I’ve seen some people being a bit wary, and rightly so, it took some volunteers a while to warm to me, thankfully they did in the end, and I’ve felt a real connection with them. There have been the rituals of making tea, the introduction to their four-legged friends, in some cases a walk around their garden, or admiring the crafts they make.
I’ve noticed a difference between people who live in the town or the country. The country folk have tales of working on the farm from an early age, including cutting the turf and milking the cows. There are mentions of rambling houses and visitors calling for stories and song.
I’m honoured and privileged to be working on the Hands of Sligo and I look forward to seeing how things progress and to meeting the rest of the people who will be involved. I’m very grateful to everyone for taking part, including the family members, for trusting me.
The ‘Hands of Sligo Project’ is part of the Creativity in Older Age project run by Sligo County Council, Healthy Sligo, supported by the Creative Ireland Fund 2023.
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