Local writers

by Adrian Tue Mar 30, 2010 15:41

I remember browsing, and sometimes buying, in the old Just Books in Winetavern Street in the late 70s. So I wish the newly reconstituted shop the best of custom at its new location. I might pop in myself next time I visit Belfast.

by Davy Carlin - WSM PC Tue Mar 30, 2010 13:11

Update---

Well anyone seeing me walk about with sun glasses for the last several weeks - I am just after major eye surgery - again.

My eyes back to normal sight soon in a few weeks - all going well.

Below is the relaunch of -Just books - might catch some at it, it is well worth a visit.

For those interested, - - -

- - -when i get back into activism again soon, I will launch a new blog for a journey of understanding and knowledge anew, but still a contiunance of the last - and to be entitled - - -

'Within the unknown - A greater understanding'

'D'

PS - listened and 'watched a great show recently , by a writer, about the inequality and horrors of the 11plus and academic selection - something no doubt many will be focusing minds on soon to re -address this injustice and inequality.

JUST BOOKS TO RELAUNCH AT NEW PREMISES

On Thursday 1st April, Just Books is holding its relaunch in new premises at 13-15 Clarence Street. This event will feature the launch of David Douglas’s new book “ Ghost Dancers.” David, who is a member of the National Union of Mineworkers in the Durham, writes firsthand about the last generation of miners and their Union. The release of “Ghost Dancers” coincides with 25th anniversary of the end of the miners’ strike.

Just Books was originally opened as a bookshop in June 1978, by the Belfast Anarchist Collective. It was, however, more than just a bookshop, the premises included a cafe and print workshop. It also provided a focal point for the collectives many activities until it’s closure sixteen years later in June 1994. Set up without any form of state subsidy or grant, money was raised through benefits, from interest free loans and donations from supporters. The location in Winetavern Street in the Smithfield area was significant:

“The location of the bookshop in the old Smithfield Market area of Belfast, at the bottom of the Shankill Road and the Falls Road, was important to the anarchists who set up Just Books in that they wished the building to be accessible to people from all communities”1.

Since its formation Just Books has included a library, the Print Workshop, a meeting and exhibition space, the Hideout Café, Belfast Independent Video, Belfast Unemployed Group and Women's News office.

MORE

Just Books was a victim of the general decline of the Smithfield area, following the 1986 development of Castlecourt, and closed its doors in 1994, proclaiming that “16 years of providing an invaluable service to the community and being a focus for social change and revolutionary ideas is something to celebrate.”2

After this closure, the Just Books collective appeared to be out of action for a while but in recent years has provided bookstalls at the Belfast May Day celebrations (St. George's Market), at numerous Grassroots Gatherings, and at various bookfairs in Ireland and England.

While based in Lombard Street, Just Books expanded its range of titles and currently carry stock dealing with Irish history, labour history, sex and sexuality, global development and exploitation, progressive politics, current affairs and environmental issues. A small multi-lingual library has also been built up, designed to be of use to labour and community activists, which includes a broad selection of historical, progressive political, feminist and environmental publications.

The Launch of the new premises at 13-15 Clarence Street, will take place from 6pm on Thursday 1st April and David’s Douglas’s book launch begins at 7pm. Come along and see what books and magazines are in store. Suggestions for other titles are welcomed.

END.

References
1) Elaine, Just Books 10th Birthday. Women’s News, 1988.

2) Just Books Spokesperson, Market to close if shoppers don’t return. Bookshop goes under as Smithfield crisis deepens. Anderstonstown News, 04/06/94.

by Davy Carlin Wed Oct 21, 2009 14:16

No probs

by Western Writers' Centre, Galway Wed Oct 21, 2009 13:04 westernwriters at eircom dot net Canavan House, Nuns Island, Galway 087.2178138

Congratulations and do keep in touch. Perhaps some sort of exchange may be put in place? Fred Johnston

by Davy Carlin Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:23

Updated blog linked to this thread

by Davy Carlin Tue Aug 05, 2008 10:31

Event was a great success; extra chairs had to be brought in as 70 or so people came along from the wider local Murph area to listen to us reading from publications and extracts from future ones.

there was also music and even some singing, of such times.

Also in the other room - and well worth a visit, and to support the calls of its organisers - is a display on the Ballymurhpy massacre.

The poetry was excellent, and much read was in relation to, like myself, ones own life experiences, thoughts and recent memories of our local area, and the war.

I had also met some people who knew me as a child in the Murph, and all who addressed the gathering had got and excellent response.

Thanks were given to the White rock Library which is used by us and who personally has lent a lot of support over the years to myself.

by Linker Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:47

http://www.nirelandpoetry.proboards57.com/
http://www.poetryireland.ie/forum/

Good Luck!